Geodynamic/tectonic setting in the Italian Region: elements for the choiche of the reference model

Enzo Mantovani(*), Marcello Viti(*), Daniele Babbucci(*) & Caterina Tamburelli(*)
(*) Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Siena. Via Laterina, 8 - 53100 Siena, Italy. Tel. +390577233820(22), fax: +390577233844. E-mail: mantovani@unisi.it.

The identification of a reliable geodynamic/tectonic model for the Italian region would be extremely useful for several practical purposes, in particular for quantifying the parameters to be used for seismic hazard assessment. In this work, we argue that the model presently adopted as a basis for elaborating the seismic classification of the Italian territory (MELETTI et alii, 2000) is not compatible with several major features of the observed deformation pattern and that, consequently, such choice should be reconsidered, taking into account an alternative geodynamic model that can much better explain the major tectonic events occurred in the central Mediterranean region since the late Miocene.

Geodynamics, Active tectonics, Seismic hazard, Italian region.