Geometric and kinematic variations along the active Pernicana fault: Implication for the dynamics of Mount Etna NE flank (Italy)

Abstract

Geological and structural analyses and ground deformation measurements performed along the eastern portion of the Pernicana fault system and its splay segments allow the structural setting and the kinematic behaviour of the fault to be defined. In addition, the interrelationship between the deformation style of fault segments and the variations of the volcanic pile thickness along the fault strike are investigated using detailed sedimentary basement data. Brittle deformation dominates the N105° fault segment, where the volcanic pile is more than 200 m thick, with the development of a well-defined fault plane characterised by main left-lateral kinematics. The transtensive deformation of the N105° fault is partitioned eastward at Rocca Campana to a main N120° segment. Here, this segment crosses a culmination of the sedimentary basement close to Vena village where the deformation pattern of the thin volcanic pile, less than 100 m thick, is influenced by the more ductile behaviour of the basement generating local short structures with different orientation and kinematics in the southern block of the fault. On the northern one, short E–W trending faults show left-lateral displacements with a minor reverse component on south-dipping planes. This kinematics is related to the oblique orientation of the N120° segment with respect to the seaward motion of the NE flank of Etna. On the whole, the compressive component of the deformation affecting the N120° segment of the Pernicana fault system generates a positive flower structure.