Contribution to the study of the Apulian microplate geodynamics

Abstract

The fragmentation of the collisional border between the African and European plates has also originated the Apulian (Adriatic) microplate. Recent studies show the possibility of a non-unitary geodynamic evolution of this microplate: palaeomagnetic data from North-Western Greece and Southern Apulia indicate a different rotational behaviour. Between 41' and 43' latitude North, regional strike-slip fault systems cut crosswise the Adriatic basin, breaking the Adriatic block in at least two minor elements. The intense seismicity points out an active defonnational area. In the same region also other geophysical data identify a transitional zone.