In the context of a research project focused on the solution of geological problems related to the Mesozoic kinematics of the Adria/Apulia plate boundary, here we present new data on the structural evolution of the Rosaria Mare intra--platform Basin area (R.M.i.B.). This basin developed within the Apulian Carbonate Platform domain (A.C.P.) during the Upper Cretaceous--Miocene, and represents a key structural feature to assess the kinematics of the Adria/Apulia plate boundary during early convergence between African and Eurasian plates (Schettino & Turco, 2009). The main aim of this work is the formulation of a conceptual tectonic model of the central A.C.P. by integrating offshore seismic data with available onshore stratigraphic data. The current work was carried out by employing the following methodologies: i) stratigraphic analysis of onshore and offshore log data obtained from commercial deep exploration wells, ii) structural interpretation of offshore seismic reflection profiles, iii) geological mapping of Cretaceous--to--Miocene carbonate rocks cropping--out in the selected area, and iv) 3D modelling of both stratigraphic horizons and fault surfaces by using the TrapTester 6 software (Badley Geoscience Limited). Onshore, a regional unconformity marked by bauxites deposits of Upper Cenomanian-- Turonian age, highlights differential emersion within the A.C.P.. This differential emersion was followed by transgression of shallow water carbonatic facies during the Coniacian--Lower Campanian. Subsequently, a new tectonic phase, led to the drowning of the south--eastern sector of the A.C.P. within the studied area, as recorded by the R.M.i.B. (Campanian-- Maastrichtian). Seismic reflection profiles carried--out across this basin and areas nearby, show a complex structural setting related to the Upper Cretaceous tectonic. Normal faults, folds and transpressional lineaments influenced the sedimentation of platform--to--basin carbonates and, furthermore, led to the disarticulation and instability of the A.C.P. margin. Seismic profiles interpretation, 3D reconstruction and other geological evidences, allow us to conceptualize the presence of a possible negative flower geometry, associated to a deep transcurrent fault, in correspondance of the R.M.i.B.. Based on the amount of throw calculated along the normal faults, the inferred master strike slip fault of the R.M.i.B. could have solved a total horizontal displacement in the order of about 10 Km. This conclusion is in agreement with previous published data. Post Late--Cretaceous strike--slip motion has been also documented for the Mattinata--Gondola fault, north of the study area (Argnani et al., 2009). In conclusion we link the tectonic assemblage of the R.M.i.B. and the Mattinata--Gondola faults to a wide zone of deformation related to the incipient Adria/Apulia continental transform plate boundary. Argnani, A., Rovere, M., and Bonazzi, C., 2009. Tectonics of the Mattinata fault, offshore south Gargano (southern Adriatic Sea, Italy): Implications for active deformation and seismotectonics in the foreland of the Southern Apennines: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 121(9/10), p.1421--1440. Schettino, A., Turco, E., 2009. Tectonic history of the western Thetys since the late Triassic. Geological Society of America Bulletin (in press).
Geological and structural evolution of the Rosaria Mare intraplatform Basin and its tectonic implications (Adria/Apulia plate boundary, SE Italy)
Milia A
2010
Abstract
In the context of a research project focused on the solution of geological problems related to the Mesozoic kinematics of the Adria/Apulia plate boundary, here we present new data on the structural evolution of the Rosaria Mare intra--platform Basin area (R.M.i.B.). This basin developed within the Apulian Carbonate Platform domain (A.C.P.) during the Upper Cretaceous--Miocene, and represents a key structural feature to assess the kinematics of the Adria/Apulia plate boundary during early convergence between African and Eurasian plates (Schettino & Turco, 2009). The main aim of this work is the formulation of a conceptual tectonic model of the central A.C.P. by integrating offshore seismic data with available onshore stratigraphic data. The current work was carried out by employing the following methodologies: i) stratigraphic analysis of onshore and offshore log data obtained from commercial deep exploration wells, ii) structural interpretation of offshore seismic reflection profiles, iii) geological mapping of Cretaceous--to--Miocene carbonate rocks cropping--out in the selected area, and iv) 3D modelling of both stratigraphic horizons and fault surfaces by using the TrapTester 6 software (Badley Geoscience Limited). Onshore, a regional unconformity marked by bauxites deposits of Upper Cenomanian-- Turonian age, highlights differential emersion within the A.C.P.. This differential emersion was followed by transgression of shallow water carbonatic facies during the Coniacian--Lower Campanian. Subsequently, a new tectonic phase, led to the drowning of the south--eastern sector of the A.C.P. within the studied area, as recorded by the R.M.i.B. (Campanian-- Maastrichtian). Seismic reflection profiles carried--out across this basin and areas nearby, show a complex structural setting related to the Upper Cretaceous tectonic. Normal faults, folds and transpressional lineaments influenced the sedimentation of platform--to--basin carbonates and, furthermore, led to the disarticulation and instability of the A.C.P. margin. Seismic profiles interpretation, 3D reconstruction and other geological evidences, allow us to conceptualize the presence of a possible negative flower geometry, associated to a deep transcurrent fault, in correspondance of the R.M.i.B.. Based on the amount of throw calculated along the normal faults, the inferred master strike slip fault of the R.M.i.B. could have solved a total horizontal displacement in the order of about 10 Km. This conclusion is in agreement with previous published data. Post Late--Cretaceous strike--slip motion has been also documented for the Mattinata--Gondola fault, north of the study area (Argnani et al., 2009). In conclusion we link the tectonic assemblage of the R.M.i.B. and the Mattinata--Gondola faults to a wide zone of deformation related to the incipient Adria/Apulia continental transform plate boundary. Argnani, A., Rovere, M., and Bonazzi, C., 2009. Tectonics of the Mattinata fault, offshore south Gargano (southern Adriatic Sea, Italy): Implications for active deformation and seismotectonics in the foreland of the Southern Apennines: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 121(9/10), p.1421--1440. Schettino, A., Turco, E., 2009. Tectonic history of the western Thetys since the late Triassic. Geological Society of America Bulletin (in press).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
