Central-southern Apennines Research Articles

Past and current climate as a driver in shaping the distribution of the Longitarsus candidulus species group (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Longitarsus candidulus (Foudras) is a thermophilic flea beetle species widely distributed in the Mediterranean Basin and associated with Daphne gnidium L. and Thymelaea hirsuta (L.). Longitarsus laureolae Biondi and Longitarsus leonardii Doguet, phylogenetically closely related to L. candidulus, show together a peculiar and rare disjunct distribution along the central-southern Apennines and the Cantabrian-Pyrenean mountain system, respectively. Both are associated with Daphne laureola L. in mesophilic habitats. We used "ecological niche modeling" to infer the Pleistocene dynamics in the distribution of the three flea beetle species and their host plants. We interpreted their current distributions, paying particular attention to the presumed time of species divergence as inferred from recent studies. The differentiation of L. laureolae and L. leonardii from L. candidulus likely represents a response to the marked climatic changes during the Late Pliocene. Such a split was likely associated with a trophic niche shift of the laureolae/leonardii ancestor towards the typically mesophilic host plant D. laureola. The subsequent split between L. laureolae and L. leonardii, possibly due at first to the niche competition, was then boosted by an allopatric divergence during the Middle Pleistocene, likely caused by a large area of low environmental suitability for both species, mainly located between the northern Apennines and the south-western Alps.

The Hydrological Impact of Historical and Modern Earthquakes in Central-Southern Italy: Data Analysis and Seismotectonic Insights

Abstract We present the results of research conducted on the hydrological effects induced by historical and modern earthquakes in the central-southern Apennines of Italy. We investigated thirty-nine seismic events of magnitude between M 4.1 and 7.1 that occurred between 1688 and 2020. We collected 526 observations of coseismic and postseismic hydrological effects such as increase or decrease in streamflow, variations in the water levels in wells, formation and/or disappearance of springs and changes in their discharge, and changes in the chemical and physical characteristics of waters. More than half of the observations were new data unpublished to date in the scientific literature. We find that the ease of finding data of interest is strongly influenced by the historical period in which the seismic event occurred. We summarize the methodology of data retrieval and its classification and present examples and maps of coseismic hydrological changes associated with individual seismic events. Most of our novel data derive from seismic postcards, macroseismic questionnaires, and hydrographic annals. However, a nonnegligible set of data comes from a careful rereading of sources—both historical and modern—that were at first considered fruitless. The majority of data concerns an excess flow in streams and springs, and physical–chemical variations such as turbidity, an increase in temperature, and gas emission. We also find that the maximum distance to which seismically induced streamflow responses have been reported can be related to the earthquake magnitude and use this distance to derive an alternative magnitude for some of the strongest earthquakes of our dataset. Finally, we show a potential application of this type of research because the distribution of coseismic hydrological changes can provide constraints in discriminating between the causative faults of strong historical seismic events for which the instrumental data are scarce or not available.

New bryological data from relict mires in the Gran Sasso-Laga National Park (Central Apennines) and their interpretation according to the EUNIS classification and Habitats Directive

During a phytosociological field-work campaign aimed at studying some relict Scheuchzerio-Caricetea boreal mires of the montane and subalpine belts of the Laga Mountains, the highest and largest siliceous massif of the Apennine range, several bryophyte taxa of particular biogeographic interest were collected. Among these taxa, Schljakovia kunzeana and Ptychostomum cernuum were found to be new records for the whole Apennine range while Hamatocaulis vernicosus (taxon included in annex II of Habitats Directive) and Scorpidium cossonii as new for the Central-Southern Apennines. Two further species, Bryum canariense, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, were found to be confirmations of old records for the Central Apennines dating back to the early 1900s. At the national and regional level, nine, out of the forty-four bryophyte taxa identified in this study, were found to be new for the Lazio administrative Region, and one taxon as new for the Abruzzo Region. The majority of these new records belong to the boreal chorotype, the Laga Mountains being one of the most important conservation sites for the relict circumboreal and arctic-alpine flora in the whole Mediterranean area. According to both the EUNIS Habitat classification and the EU Habitats Directive Annex I, several, out of the 44 bryophytes identified in this study, act as diagnostic species for European Community Habitats. Nevertheless, a complete correspondence between bryophyte taxon and habitat type was not found upon comparing these two environmental policy systems.

U-Pb detrital zircon ages and Hf isotope from Sardinia and Adria Cretaceous bauxite (Italy): Constraints on the Alpine Tethys paleogeography and tectonic evolution

Bauxite deposits in Italy mainly distribute in Sardinia and Adria regions within Cretaceous carbonate sequences. Parental affinity of Italian bauxite deposits has long been a controversial problem. At least four potential sources have been proposed: (1) Cretaceous debris and autochthonous marlstones; (2) alluvial sheets from the weathered Variscan basement; (3) weathering materials from North Africa and (4) Cretaceous bimodal volcanism in the Dinaric and Carpatho-Balkan orogenic belts. In this study, a total of 374 detrital zircon U-Pb ages and 86 Hf isotope values have been acquired from Cretaceous bauxites of Sardinia and Adria regions. Combining with the published geochemical data, provenances of Cretaceous bauxite deposits in Sardinia and Adria regions have been discussed. In bauxite deposits of Sardinia, dominant Early Paleozoic aged zircon grains (main age peaks at 291 – 295 Ma, 454 – 465 Ma, and 582 – 639 Ma) and their various Hf isotope compositions (εHf(t) = +9.61 to −5.66) indicate a parental affinity of Variscan metasedimentary basement. As a contrast, bauxite deposits in Adria show abundant Jurassic – Cretaceous (93 – 178 Ma) zircon grains with negative εHf(t) values (-13.75 to −4.61), demonstrating significant supply from coeval volcanic materials. Cretaceous bauxite samples from Sardinia and Adria shed light on paleogeographic restoration and tectonic evolution of Alpine Tethys. Began in Early Cretaceous, Sardinia was affected by uplift due to the subduction between Ligurian oceanic crust and the Iberia plate. The Mesozoic carbonate sequence were eroded and the underlying Variscan basement was exposed in the area from Sardinia to the Massif Meridional, provided weathering materials for bauxitization. Late Cretaceous witnessed the further NNE-trending subduction of the Adria Plate to the West Vardar oceanic plate, where calcalkaline igneous rocks and volcanic ashes from Dinarides supplied windborne weathering materials to carbonate platforms in Adria. Particularly, provenance difference between the bauxite of central-southern Apennine and Sardinian reveals that the hosting carbonate sequence in Apennine was not located on the Sardinia shelf before the Cenozoic tectonism in the south Mediterranean realm. Diversity of provenances in bauxite deposits from Sardinia and Adria may cause differences in geochemical composition and further influence qualities of bauxite ore in two regions.

An application of the NonErgodic ground ShaKing (NESK) approach to an historical earthquake scenario: The case-study of the 1915 Fucino earthquake (central Italy)

The 1915, Mw6.7, Fucino earthquake is one of the most destructive events occurred in the central-southern Apennines (Central Italy) in pre-instrumental era, involving normal faulting in a deep alluvial basin. This study shows the application of the empirical non-ergodic approach (NESK method) for mapping ground shaking related to this historical event, taking into account the regional features of source, propagation and site contributions. Corrections of the source-region and spatially correlated maps of site and path residuals are combined with median prediction at the reference rock (i.e. without site amplification) to generate spatially variable ground shaking and associated variability in terms of peak ground acceleration and spectral ordinates at vibration periods from 0.01s to 2s. The method captures the main spatial non-stationarities and anisotropies of the shaking fields produced by this earthquake in and around the Fucino basin. In particular, we obtain patterns of seismic motion quite in accordance with the results of other methods and the macroseismic intensity field. Marked amplifications of the shaking in the long-periods are also captured, due to the coupling of 3D site effects, especially in the deeper portion of the basin, with propagation effects mainly focused towards the eastern part of the fault. These results confirm that the non-ergodic shaking scenarios from NESK can provide useful indications even in the case of very complex seismological and geological contexts, such as in the case of strong events in deep sedimentary basins.

Survival of a small reintroduced griffon vulture population in the Apennines: Insights from Global Positioning System tracking

Conservation translocations ( e. g., restocking, reintroductions) represent efficient tools to prevent the extinction or favouring the return of previously extirpated populations into the wild. Evaluating demographic parameters of translocated populations is a key issue to assess and monitor their conservation status and to provide evidences useful to implement management actions aimed at long-term conservation results. We report first data on survival estimates and related mortality causes for a reintroduced population of Eurasian griffon vultures ( Gyps fulvus) in the central-southern Apennine, Italy, from satellite telemetry data. Twenty vultures have been fitted with solar-powered Global Positioning System (GPS) tags in Pollino National Park (PNP, southern Italy, N = 9) and Monte Velino Reserve (MVR, central Italy, N = 11). Survival has been estimated on a total amount of 173,568 GPS fixes from December 2016 to October 2020 (1415 days) using the Fleming-Harrington estimator. Five, out of 20 vultures, died by poisoning (40%), collision with wind turbines (20%) and of unknown causes (40%). Two birds dispersed from MVR to France (though they later came back) and one from PNP to Croatia. Estimated survival rate across the whole study period was 0.709 (±0.11, SE; 0.523–0.961, 95% CI), and annual survival rate was 0.915 (±0.06, SE; 0.846–0.990, 95% CI). No significant differences in survival rates have been detected according to sex or age. As mortality in our study was mainly human-caused, we urge relevant institutions and agencies to strengthen and effectively establish anti-poison strategies, as well as implementing mitigation and prevention measures for the existing and planned wind farms. The establishment of a long-term viable population in the central-southern Apennines will depend upon both lower levels of human-caused mortality and habitat preservation.

NOTES ON AGAPANTHIA (SYNTHAPSIA) KIRBYI (GYLLENHAL, 1817) WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SUBSPECIES AND THE CONFIRMATION OF ITS OCCURRENCE IN ITALY (COLEOPTERA CERAMBYCIDAE LAMIINAE)

Rapuzzi P., Parisi F. - Notes on Agapanthia (Synthapsia) kirbyi (Gyllenhal, 1817) with description of a new subspecies and the confirmation of its occurrence in Italy (Coleoptera Cerambycidae Lamiinae). In this paper, we investigated hundreds of specimens within the Agapanthia kirbyi (Gyllenhal, 1817) with the aim of finding relevant discrepancies in the Western and Southeastern populations. Amongst the species, the most diverse characters are body shape and pubescence color; however, based on the different geographical distribution it is possible to classify it into three different subspecies. One of these subspecies is new and is described below as Agapanthia (Synthapsia) kirbyi samai new subspecies. We also consider the characters used to create the Genus Synthapsia by Pesarini & Sabbadini (2004) not sufficient for a genus rank but at least for a subgenus rank (new status) due to the fact that other species close to A. kirbyi (Agapanthia hirsuticornis) shows intermediate characters between Synthapsia and Agapanthia. We also formalize the following new synonym: A. kirbyi ssp. zawadskyi Fairmaire, 1866 (name resurrected, new combination) = A. kirbyi ssp. valandoensis Sláma 2015 (new synonym) on the base of many specimens studied from the type localities of both the Taxon. In addition, the occurrence of A. kirbyi (Gyllenhal, 1817) is ascertained in Italy; in fact, eleven specimens were reported in the Matese Mountains, central-southern Apennines, between the years 2019 and 2021. This extends its known distribution into southern Europe and further confirms the important biogeographical role of this mountainous territory. Key Words: Longhorn beetles, Geographical range, Holotype, Matese mountain, central-southern Apennine.

Empirical modelling of snow cover duration patterns in complex terrains of Italy

Snow cover duration is a crucial climate change indicator. However, measurements of days with snow cover on the ground (DSG) are limited, especially in complex terrains, and existing measurements are fragmentary and cover only relatively short time periods. Here, we provide observational and modelling evidence that it is possible to produce reliable time-series of DSG for Italy based on instrumental measurements, and historical documentary data derived from various sources, from a limited set of stations and areas in the central-southern Apennines (CSA) of Italy. The adopted modelling approach reveals that DSG estimates in most settings in Italy can be driven by climate factors occurring in the CSA. Taking into account spatial scale-dependence, a parsimonious model was developed by incorporating elevation, winter and spring temperatures, a large-scale circulation index (the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability, AMV) and a snow-severity index, with in situ DSG data, based on a core snow cover dataset covering 97 years (88% coverage in the 1907–2018 period and the rest, discontinuously from 1683 to 1895, from historical data of the Benevento station). The model was validated on the basis of the identification of contemporary snow cover patterns and historical evidence of summer snow cover in high massifs. Beyond the CSA, validation obtained across terrains of varying complexity in both the northern and southern sectors of the peninsula indicate that the model holds potential for applications in a broad range of geographical settings and climatic situations of Italy. This article advances the study of past, present and future DSG changes in the central Mediterranean region.

Hydrogeochemical changes before and during the 2019 Benevento seismic swarm in central-southern Italy

Insights into seismic precursors have been obtained in the last decades. However, a detailed understanding of hydrogeochemical anomalies prior to earthquakes still remains the aim of many research teams worldwide. In order to investigate the earthquake-groundwater relationship, between 2018 and 2020, we performed sampling surveys coupled with continuous multiparametric monitoring in Grassano spring fed by the Matese aquifer (central-southern Apennines, Italy). Hydrogeochemical changes were observed before the onset and during the 2019 Benevento seismic sequence, including dissolved CO2 increase, pH lowering, and anomalies in major ions (i.e., Ca2+, Na+, HCO3–) that later recovered to their typical concentrations. We suggest that variations in groundwater geochemistry were induced by dilatative preparatory phases of earthquakes, typical of the extensional setting. This condition allowed the deep CO2 upwelling along tectonic discontinuities, as testified by the Cext (carbon from external sources) behaviour detected in Grassano groundwater during the 2019 year. Despite the small-intermediate magnitude of the mainshock, results highlight and confirm the occurrence of a potential pre-seismic geochemical process in the fractured carbonate aquifers, similar to the one proposed in literature for the stronger 2016–2017 Amatrice-Norcia seismic sequence.

Quaternary Evolution of the Lower Calore and Middle Volturno Valleys (Southern Italy)

The lower Calore and middle Volturno valleys preserve stratigraphical and morphological evidence and tephrostratigraphic markers particularly suitable for reconstructing the long-term geomorphological evolution of the central-southern Apennines. Aim of our study is to identify the main steps of the Quaternary landscape evolution of these valley systems and to improve knowledge about the relationships between fluvial processes and tectonics, volcanic activity, climatic and human influences. To this purpose, we carried out an integrated geomorphological and chrono-stratigraphical analysis of identified fluvial landforms and related deposits, integrated by 230Th/234U datings on travertines from the Telese Plain area. The study highlighted in particular: (1) fluvial sedimentation started in the Middle Pleistocene (~650 ka) within valleys that originated in the lower Pleistocene under the control of high-angle faults; (2) extensional tectonics acted during the Middle and Upper Pleistocene, driving the formation of the oldest fluvial terraces and alluvial fans, and persisted beyond the emplacement of the Campanian Ignimbrite pyroclastic deposits (~39 ka); and (3) from the late Upper Pleistocene onwards (<15 ka), the role of tectonics appears negligible, while climatic changes played a key role in the formation of three orders of valley floor terraces and the youngest alluvial fans.

Soils and soilscapes of the Upper Volturno basin: a detailed survey of a large intermontane basin in the Central-Southern Apennines, Italy

ABSTRACT Soils of the Upper Volturno basin in the Central-Southern Apennines (Molise, Italy) were surveyed in detail. Trends in development are described with focus on the contrast between the mountain soils and the soils of the basin. Mountain soils are shallow and poorly developed. Topsoils in the central and eastern areas and on N-facing slopes have a large Late Pleistocene tephra component (Campi Flegrei) and are Andic. Basin soils from a distinct chronosequence: early Mid-Pleistocene deep highly weathered Chromic Luvisols/Nitosols in old surfaces of the fluvio-lacustrine fill, less developed soils in Late Pleistocene terraces and fans, and recent Fluvisols in the Holocene sediments of the Volturno River and tributaries. In the basin, Mid-Pleistocene Roccamonfina tephra play an important role. In the SW, it occurs as thick layers, blanketing the fluvio-lacustrine/fan deposits. The soil pattern clearly reflects the complex geological history of the basin, with prominent subsidence in the SW.

Deep carbon degassing in the Matese massif chain (Southern Italy) inferred by geochemical and isotopic data.

The Italian Apennines are among the most important sources of freshwater for several Italian regions. With evidences of deep CO2-rich fluids intruding into aquifers in the nearby central-southern Apennines, a thorough investigation into the geochemistry of groundwater became critical to ensure the water quality in the area. Here, we show the main hydrogeochemical processes occurring in the Matese Massif (MM) aquifer through the investigation of 98 water samples collected from springs and water wells. All waters were classified as HCO3 type with Ca dominance (from 50% up to 97%) and variable amount of Mg (from 1% up to 49%). A multivariate statistical approach through the application of the factor analysis (FA) highlighted three main hydrogeochemical processes: (i) water-carbonate rock interactions mostly enhanced in peripheral areas of the MM by CO2 deep degassing; (ii) addition of NaCl-rich components linked to recharging process and to water mixing processes of the groundwater with a thermal component relatively rich in Cl, Na, and CO2; (iii) anthropogenic activities influencing groundwater composition at the foothills of MM. Furthermore, the first detailed TDIC, pCO2, and δ13C-TDIC distribution maps of the MM area have been created, which track chemical and isotopic anomalies in several peripheral areas (Pratella, Ailano, and Telese) throughout the region. These maps systematically highlight that the greater the amount of dissolved carbon occurs the heavier the C isotope enrichment, especially in the peripheral areas. Conversely, spring waters emerging at higher altitudes within MM are only slightly mineralized and associated with δ13C-TDIC values mainly characterized by recharging processes with the addition of biogenic carbon during the infiltration process through the soil.

Confirmation of Crepidophorus mutilatus (Rosenhauer, 1847) in Italy (Coleoptera: Elateridae), with Notes on Its Distribution and Conservation

The occurrence of Crepidophorus mutilatus (Rosenhauer, 1847) (Coleoptera: Elateridae), a saproxylic beetle of old-growth forests in the Palearctic region, is confirmed for Italy. The species has a discontinuous and localized distribution in central and northern Europe and Siberia, with isolated populations in the Iberian and Balkan peninsulas, and is included in the risk categories of the Italian Red List for saproxylic beetles. Crepidophorus mutilatus was found in the Matese Mountains, central-southern Apennines, during July 2018 while surveying the beetle fauna in a beech woodland at about 1,719 m elevation as part of the LIFE project “AForClimate”. This extends its known distribution into southern Europe and further confirms the important biogeographical role of this mountainous territory, recently designated a national park. We discuss distribution and conservation issues and provide recommended conservation measures that may be useful for protecting many other saproxylic beetles (e.g., safeguarding of large trees with cavities).

Optimization of dissolved Radon monitoring in groundwater to contribute to the evaluation of the seismic activity: an experience in central-southern Italy

Anomalies in Radon (222Rn) concentrations prior to earthquakes have been widely documented in seismogenic areas worldwide, but questions about their predictability remain largely unanswered. Even if it is not universally accepted, the analysis of the high-resolution time series of Rn (222Rn) concentrations in groundwater, air and soil has been proposed as a suitable method to identify seismic precursors. This study, which is aimed at identifying potential gas-geochemical precursors to nearby earthquakes, analyses groundwater Rn concentrations, which were continuously measured between April 2017 and December 2019. We conducted a detailed time series analysis of dissolved Rn in two springs emerging along two active fault zones in the inner sector of the central-southern Apennines (i.e. the Matese and Morrone fault zones) in Italy. We used a simple statistical method to identify seismic precursor anomalies in Rn concentrations. Anomalies are commonly assumed as values exceeding ± 2σ. Furthermore, we calculated the strain radius (for which a gas-geochemical precursor was expected) and the epicentral distance (from both our monitoring stations) of each seismic event of Mw ≥ 3.5 that occurred in the monitoring area. Results from our ongoing research are promising and show significant correlations between seismic signals and Rn concentrations. However, longer time series data that include more energetic earthquakes are needed to shed light on the behaviour of this gas in relation to crustal deformation processes.

Typology and synecology of aspen woodlands in the central-southern Apennines (Italy): new findings and synthesis

In order to review and complete our knowledge of the typology and synecology of the aspen communities from the central-southern Apennines, ten original relevés were performed on the Gargano plateau and a set of 35 relevés assigned to four community types (HP: Holco mollis-Populetum tremulae; MP: Melico uniflorae-Populetum tremulae; FP: Fraxino orni-Populetum tremulae; GP: Geranio versicoloris-Populetum tremulae) were assembled from literature. These relevés along with several environmental variables either measured or estimated were involved in cluster and ordination analyses. The relevés from Gargano formed a distinctive cluster and were assigned to a new community type (SP: Stellario holosteae-Populetum tremulae ass. nova), which can be considered an Adriatic synvicariant of HP that is distributed in similar habitats (doline bottoms) but on the Tyrrhenian escarpment. At low levels of floristic similarity, the grouping of relevés in two clusters induces a sharp separation between the aspen communities distributed in the central Apennines (MP and FP) and those from the southern Apennines (SP, HP and GP), which is mainly due to compositional differences in the regional species pool. The ordination scores of relevés were best related to terrain slope, soil nitrogen, elevation, air temperature, light availability and, to a lesser extent, to soil moisture and reaction. Unlike MP and GP that appear the most mesophilous, the FP stands display a slightly more xerophilous and acidophilous character induced by the steeper slopes on which they occur. The HP habitat is the driest and lightest very likely because of the open overlying canopy, in contrast to MP stands featuring a high shrub cover. The highest occurrence of nitrophilous species was observed in SP and MP. The management of these pioneer woods should be aimed at conservation, as they play an important role in the recovery of forest herb diversity along the ecological succession towards hardwood forests.

The role of trapped fluids during the development and deformation of a carbonate/shale intra-wedge tectonic mélange (Mt. Massico, Southern Apennines, Italy)

Numerous studies exist on exhumed tectonic mélanges along subduction channels whereas, in accretionary wedge interiors, deformation mechanisms and related fluid circulation in tectonic mélanges are still underexplored. We combine structural and microstructural observations with geochemical (stable and clumped isotopes and isotope composition of noble gases in fluid inclusions of calcite veins) and U-Pb geochronological data to define deformation mechanisms and syn-tectonic fluid circulation within the Mt. Massico intra-wedge tectonic mélange, located in the inner part of the central-southern Apennines accretionary wedge, Italy. This mélange developed by shear deformation at the base of a clastic succession. Deformation was characterized by disruption of the primary bedding, mixing, and deformation of relicts of competent olistoliths and strata within a weak matrix of deformed clayey and marly interbeds. Recurrent cycles of mutually overprinting fracturing/veining and pressure-solution processes generated a block-in-matrix texture. The geochemical signatures of syntectonic calcite veins suggest calcite precipitation in a closed system from warm (108°-147 °C) paleofluids, with δ18O vlaues between +9‰ and 14‰, such as trapped pore waters after extensive 18O exchange with the local limestone host rock and/or derived by clay dehydration processes at T > 120 °C. The 3He/4He ratios in fluid inclusions are lower than 0.1 Ra, indicating that He was exclusively sourced from the crust. We conclude that: (1) intraformational rheological contrasts, inherited trapped fluids, and low-permeability barriers such as marly-shaly matrix, can promote the generation of intra-wedge tectonic mélanges and the development of transient fluid overpressure; (2) clay-rich tectonic mélanges, developed along intra-wedge décollement layers, may generate low-permeability barriers hindering the fluid redistribution within accretionary wedges.

The 2013–2018 Matese and Beneventano Seismic Sequences (Central–Southern Apennines): New Constraints on the Hypocentral Depth Determination

The Matese and Beneventano areas coincide with the transition from the central to the southern Apennines and are characterized by both SW- and NE-dipping normal faulting seismogenic structures, responsible for the large historical earthquakes. We studied the Matese and Beneventano seismicity by means of high-precision locations of earthquakes spanning from 29 December 2013 to 4 September 2018. Events were located by using all of the available data from temporary and permanent stations in the area and a 1D computed velocity model, inverting the dataset with the Velest code. For events M > 2.8 we used P- and S-waves arrival times of the strong motion stations located in the study area. A constant value of 1.83 for Vp/Vs was computed with a modified Wadati method. The dataset consists of 2378 earthquakes, 18,715 P- and 12,295 S-wave arrival times. We computed 55 new fault plane solutions. The mechanisms show predominantly normal fault movements, with T-axis trends oriented NE–SW. Only relatively small E–W trending clusters in the eastern peripheral zones of the Apenninic belt show right-lateral strike-slip kinematics similar to that observed in the Potenza (1990–1991) and Molise (2002 and 2018) sequences. These belong to transfer zones associated with differential slab retreat of the Adriatic plate subduction beneath the Apennines. The Matese sequence (December 2013–February 2014; main shock Mw 5.0) is the most relevant part of our dataset. Hypocentral depths along the axis of the Apenninic belt are in agreement with previous seismological studies that place most of the earthquakes in the brittle upper crust. We confirm a general deepening of seismicity moving from west to the east along the Apennines. Seismicity depth is controlled by heat-flow, which is lower in the eastern side, thus causing a deeper brittle–ductile transition.

Syntaxonomy of Pinus nigra s.l. communities in the Erico-Pinetea class and their distribution in the central Apennines and Balkan province

The aim was to study the relationships among forest communities dominated by Pinus nigra s.l. in the Apennine-Balkan biogeographical province. The opportunity to deepen this argument was offered by Pinus nigra natural communities present in the central Apennines (Gran Sasso d’Italia).The data collected on the vegetation were elaborated with the phytosociological method, although in the choice of the higher order syntaxa, it was considered appropriate to broaden the approach to different tectonic, palaeobotanical, palaeogeographic and biogeographic analysis factors, to define the classes and reference orders. This led to the recognition that the black pine forests of the study area, together with those of the central-southern limestone Apennines, should be included in the class Erico-Pinetea Horvat 1959.For the territory investigated, we describe the new association Junipero hemisphaericae–Pinetum nigrae and the new order Junipero communis–Pinetalia nigrae ordo nov. hoc loco, of which the southern Balkan alliance Fraxino orni-Pinion nigrae Em 1978 is considered the alliance typus. In this context, the new alliance Junipero hemisphaericae–Pinion nigrae (typus: Junipero hemisphaericae–Pinetum nigrae) represents the central-southern Apennine vicariant.The new order Junipero communis-Pinetalia nigrae represents the vicariant of the order Erico-Pinetalia Horvat 1959 in the central-southern Apennine-Balkan mountain ranges.

Concurrent deformation processes in the Matese massif area (Central-Southern Apennines, Italy)

We investigated the interseismic GPS velocity field across the transition zone between Central and Southern Apennine comprising the Meta–Mainarde-Venafro and Alto Molise–Sannio-Matese mounts. The kinematic field obtained by combining GPS network solutions is based on data collected by the unpublished episodic campaigns carried out on Southern Apennine Geodetic network (SAGNet from 2000 to 2013), IGM95 network (Giuliani et al., 2009 from 1994 to 2007) and continuous GPS stations. The data collected after the 29 December 2013 earthquake (Mw 5.0) until early 2014 allowed estimating displacements at 15 SAGNet stations.The extension rate computed across the Matese massif along an anti-Apennine profile is 2.0±0.2 mm/yr. The interseismic velocities projected along the profile show that the maximum extension does not follow the topographic high of the Apennines but is shifted toward the eastern outer belt. No significant GPS deformation corresponding to inner faults systems of the Matese massif is detected.Taking into account our results and other geophysical data, we propose a conceptual model, which identifies the 2013–2014 seismic sequence as not due to an extensional deformation style usual along the Apennine chain. In fact, we have measured too large “coseismic” displacements, that could be explained as the result of tectonic regional stress, CO2-rich fluid migration and elastic loading of water in the karst Matese massif. We recognized a tensile source as model of dislocation of 2013–2014 earthquakes. It represents a simplification of a main fault system and fracture zone affecting the Matese massif. The dislocation along NE-dipping North Matese Fault System (NMFS) could be the driving mechanism of the recent seismic sequences.Moreover, to the first time the SAGnet GPS data collected from 1994 to 2014, are share and available to the scientific community in the open access data archive.

A Contribution to the Understanding of the Apennine Landscapes: the Potential Role of Molise Geosites

The paper deals with the contribution of the Molise geoheritage to make better known the central-southern Apennines landscape and to promote geotourism activities. The Molise territory is characterized by a high geodiversity and the natural coexistence and closeness of three major, highly differentiated Apennine landscape units. It offers an exemplary cross-section of the variety of landscapes/landforms that typically characterize the young, tectonically still active Apennine chain, from its core up to the Adriatic piedmont area. Based on the regional geosite inventory, we selected 31 geosites. These geosites are considered the most representative and exemplary of many of the major landforms that typically characterize the distinguished Apennine landscape sectors and are capable to illustrate several steps of their long-term evolution and/or present-day dynamics and related hazard aspects. The selected geosites are well-preserved landforms, easily and safely accessible, and observable both onsite and/or through panoramic views. They have good to excellent scenic-esthetic qualities and, thanks to the representativeness and clarity of exposed features/processes, can be easily understood by a large audience. The paper highlights the contribution that the geological heritage of a territory can provide for geotourism purposes and informal educational actions by using geosites, especially geomorphological sites, to make known the peculiarities, evolution, and present-day dynamics of its major landscape features. It wants to contribute to the dissemination and sustainable fruition of geosites that help attributing to them an effective cultural and economic value, so to encourage their conservation.