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Mazzoli, Stefano
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Mazzoli, Stefano
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- PublicationOpen AccessGeothermal Model of the Shallow Crustal Structure across the “Mountain Front Fault” in Western Lurestan, Zagros Thrust Belt, Iran(2019)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; The Zagros thrust belt is a zone of deformed crustal rocks well exposed along the southwest region of Iran. To obtain a better knowledge of this mountain chain, we elaborated a 2D model reproducing the thermal structure of the “Mountain Front Fault”. This study, which is focused on the Lurestan region, is based on a model made by merging published sections and available information on the depth of the Moho. We present the isotherms and the geotherms calculated using an analytical methodology. The calculation procedure includes the temperature variation due to the re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting, frictional heating, heat flow density data, and a series of geologically derived constraints. In order to perform the temperature calculations, the crustal structure in the Lurestan region is simplified as composed of two domains: A lower unit made by crystalline basement and an upper unit including all the lithostratigraphic units forming the sedimentary cover. The resulting model is compared with the numerical results obtained by previous studies to improve the description of the thermal structure of this geologically important area.62 21 - PublicationRestrictedStructural inheritance controlling active crustal deformation in the Val d’Agri area (southern Apennines, Italy): new insights from finite element modelling(2017-03)
; ; ; ; ; The availability of a large amount of surface geological data and subsurface information gathered by the oil industry, together with seismic and geodetic data, allowed us to define and analyse the active structures in the Val d'Agri area of the southern Apennines. Taking into account that the study of interseismic deformation can be significant to identify locked fault areas that can potentially slip, in this study we present 2D elastoplastic finite-element models to reproduce interseismic characteristics of the study area. This hosts the largest Europe's onshore oil field and is characterised by an active extensional tectonic regime, as inferred from earthquake focal mechanisms and fault slip data from late Quaternary structures. Based on high-quality seismic profiles tied with deep well logs, we constructed a detailed geological section across the study area. Outcropping units are dissected by numerous brittle structures that formed at various stages during the tectonic evolution of the Apennines, while the deep ones are dominated by deeply rooted major faults. The rheological behaviour has been constrained by the reconstruction of the thermal structure of the fold and thrust belt, using available information from the foreland Apulian Platform and from temperature data from a series of wells. Starting from the geological model, we reproduced interseismic deformation by means of finite-element numerical modelling, varying boundary conditions and unlocking different fault segments. Our numerical models provide new insights into the controversial and widely debated active tectonic setting of the Val d'Agri area, confirming the major role played by structural inheritance and reactivation processes. In fact, recent low-magnitude seismicity tends to illuminate fault segments consisting of pre-existing reverse faults reactivated as normal faults in the present-day stress field. These long-lived, mature fault systems occurring in the buried Apulian Platform carbonates (and underlying basement) represent major brittle structures that cumulated displacements of up to a few kilometres over geologic time. As a result of their reactivation within the late Quaternary extensional stress field, these long-lived crustal structures are capable of nucleating also moderate- to large-magnitude earthquakes. The decoupling between deep and shallow structural levels, and the different inherited structures affecting them, explain the apparent contrast between the subdued surface expression of active fault systems and the known occurrence of large magnitude seismic events in the study area, thus reconciling apparently contrasting geological and geophysical constraints.173 28 - PublicationRestrictedPetrogenesis and deformation history of the lawsonite-bearing blueschist facies metabasalts of the Diamante-Terranova oceanic unit (southern Italy)The Neotethyan oceanic Diamante-Terranova unit (DIATU; southern Apennines–Calabria–Peloritani Terrane system) includes basic rocks that during the Cenozoicwere subducted and metamorphosed to lawsonite-blueschist facies conditions.Petrological and structural observations (both at the meso- and micro-scale) showthat lawsonite growth was continuous during three distinctive ductile deformationstages (D1–D3).....
77 1 - PublicationOpen AccessGeothermal 3D model of the shallow crustal structure in the Val d’Agri oil field (Basilicata region)(2017-07-10)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; A good understanding of the geothermal gradient in any region is of primary importance for hydrocarbon/geothermal reservoir management and further applications in the fields of (e.g.) subsurface CO2 storage and nuclear waste disposal. In the particular case of the Basilicata oil fields area, the analytical definition of the geotherms carried out in this study is particularly relevant, both for industrial applications and for seismotectonic modelling in a region characterized by a magnitude 7 historical earthquake. In fact, the thermal state plays a fundamental role in controlling the modes of strain accommodation in the crust, which in turn controls the partitioning and distribution of seismic vs. aseismic strain. A geothermal model for the area of the Val d’Agri oil fields has been obtained by an analytical procedure. The model takes into account both the temperature variation due to the re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting and frictional heating. Input parameters include heat flow density data and a series of geologically derived constraints – thrust depth, timing of thrusting, slip rate – obtained by the integration of surface and subsurface datasets. This work, representing a first attempt to reconstruct a geothermal 3D model for the Val d’Agri seismic zone of the Basilicata region, provides thermal constraints that could constitute a basis for future studies in the area.130 136 - PublicationOpen AccessGeothermal 3D model of the shallow crustal structure of the Alta Val d’Agri area (southern Apennines)A geothermal model for the area of the Val d’Agri oil fields has been obtained by an analytical procedure. The model takes into account both the temperature variation due to the re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting and frictional heating. Input parameters include heat flow density data and a series of geologically derived constraints - thrust depth, timing of thrusting, slip rate - obtained by the integration of surface and subsurface datasets. The results of this work, representing a first attempt to reconstruct a geothermal 3D model for the Val d’Agri zone of the Basilicata region, emphasize two main regional features: (i) the isotherms relative to temperatures lower than 350 °C are roughly parallel and sub-horizontal across the whole study area, tending to deepen just along the NE-most edge of the investigated region; (ii) the isotherms relative to temperatures greater than 350 °C tend to deepen toward the center of the valley. Therefore, while the thermal structure at mid crustal depths appears to be perturbed and roughly mirroring the surface valley, the seismogenic upper crust of the study area is characterized by an unperturbed, roughly homogeneous and regular thermal structure.
131 168 - PublicationOpen Access3-D Geothermal Model of the Lurestan Sector of the Zagros Thrust Belt, Iran(2020-04)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; The Zagros thrust belt is a large orogenic zone located along the southwest region of Iran. To obtain a better knowledge of this important mountain chain, we elaborated the first 3-D model reproducing the thermal structure of its northwestern part, i.e., the Lurestan arc. This study is based on a 3-D structural model obtained using published geological sections and available information on the depth of the Moho discontinuity. The analytical calculation procedure took into account the temperature variation due to: (1) The re-equilibrated conductive state after thrusting, (2) frictional heating, (3) heat flow density data, and (4) a series of geologically derived constraints. Both geotherms and isotherms were obtained using this analytical methodology. The results pointed out the fundamental control exerted by the main basement fault of the region, i.e., the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT), in governing the thermal structure of the crust, the main parameter being represented by the amount of basement thickening produced by thrusting. This is manifested by more densely spaced isotherms moving from the southwestern foreland toward the inner parts of orogen, as well as in a lateral variation related with an along-strike change from a moderately dipping crustal ramp of the MFT to the NW to a gently dipping crustal ramp to the SE. The complex structural architecture, largely associated with late-stage (Pliocene) thick-skinned thrusting, results in a zone of relatively high geothermal gradient in the easternmost part of the study area. Our thermal model of a large crustal volume, besides providing new insights into the geodynamic processes affecting a major salient of the Zagros thrust belt, may have important implications for seismotectonic analysis in an area recently affected by a Mw = 7.3 earthquake, as well as for geothermal/hydrocarbon exploration in the highly perspective Lurestan region.56 41 - PublicationOpen AccessAssessing mantle versus crustal sources for non-volcanic degassing along fault zones in the actively extending southern Apennines mountain belt (Italy)The actively extending axial zone of the southern Apennine mountain belt of Italy is characterized by a substantial flow of nonvolcanic gas to the surface. In this study, we have analyzed the correlation between the active tectonic framework of the Matese Ridge area and the high gas emissions found to the southwest, which includes large amounts of CO2 (up to 99 vol%), CH4 (up to 0.55 vol%), and He (up to 52 ppmv). We measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes of up to 34000 g d–1 and 2000 g d–1, respectively, from zones of focused degassing (gas vents and associated strong diffuse emission). This anomalously high flux of CO2 (advective plus diffusive) indicates that the study area has one of the largest nonvolcanic natural emissions of CO2 ever measured on Earth. The isotope composition of C in CO2 and CH4 shows there is a dominant crustal contribution of emissions (as opposed to a source from the mantle), indicating that thermometamorphism of the buried Apulian Platform carbonates is probably the main cause of CO2 production. This process has likely been enhanced by Quaternary magmatism, which provides an additional local source of heat triggering decarbonation of Apulian Platform limestones and dolostones at depth. The advective flux is concentrated at gas vents located along active fault segments located at the western tip of a major crustal structure, the South Matese fault zone. We believe that the very high gas emission in the Matese Ridge area is the result of both the presence of a dense network of active fault strands, which provides efficient pathways for fluid flow toward the surface, and the dramatically reduced thickness of the clay-rich mélange zone acting elsewhere in the southern Apennines as a top seal overlying the buried Apulian Platform carbonates.
310 135 - PublicationOpen AccessThe Campotosto linkage fault zone between the 2009 and 2016 seismic sequences of central Italy: Implications for seismic hazard analysisIn the last decade central Italy was struck by devastating seismic sequences resulting in hundreds of casualties (i.e., 2009-L′Aquila moment magnitude [Mw] = 6.3, and 2016-Amatrice-Visso-Norcia Mw max = 6.5). These seismic events were caused by two NW-SE–striking, SW-dipping, seismogenic normal faults that were modeled based on the available focal mechanisms and the seismic moment computed during the relative mainshocks. The seismogenic faults responsible for the 2009-L′Aquila Mw = 6.3 (Paganica Fault—PF) and 2016-Amatrice-Visso-Norcia Mw max = 6.5 (Monte Vettore Fault—MVF) are right-stepping with a negative overlap (i.e., underlap) located at the surface in the Campotosto area. This latter was affected by seismic swarms with magnitude ranging from 5.0 to 5.5 during the 2009 seismic sequence and then in 2017 (i.e., a few months later than the mainshocks related with the 2016 seismic sequence). In this paper, the seismogenic faults related to the main seismic events that occurred in the Campotosto Seismic Zone (CSZ) were modeled and interpreted as a linkage fault zone between the PF and MVF interacting seismogenic faults. Based on the underlap dimension, the seismogenic potential of the CSZ is in the order of Mw = 6.0, even in the case that all the faults belonging to the zone were activated simultaneously. This has important implications for seismic hazard assessment in an area dominated by the occurrence of a major NW-SE–striking extensional structure, i.e., the Monte Gorzano Fault (MGF). Mainly due to its geomorphologic expression, this fault has been considered as an active and silent structure (therefore representing a seismic gap) able to generate an earthquake of Mw max = 6.5–7.0. However, the geological evidence provided with this study suggests that the MGF is of early (i.e., pre- to syn-thrusting) origin. Therefore, the evaluation of the seismic hazard in the Campotosto area should not be based on the geometrical characteristics of the outcropping MGF. This also generates substantial issues with earthquake geological studies carried out prior to the recent seismic events in central Italy. More in general, the 4-D high-resolution image of a crustal volume hosting an active linkage zone between two large seismogenic structures provides new insights into the behavior of interacting faults in the incipient stages of connection.
96 16 - PublicationOpen AccessSpace and Time Variability of Detachment‐ Versus Ramp‐Dominated Thrusting: Insights From the Outer AlbanidesDespite their markedly different structural setting, the northern and southern outer Albanides share a common tectonic evolution from detachment-dominated to ramp-dominated, basement-involved thrusting. The former process (mainly Oligocene to Miocene) is essentially related with the occurrence of a thick décollement level represented by Triassic evaporites, while the latter involves basement ramps splaying out from a middle crustal décollement. As this weak crustal layer is inherited from the Mesozoic rifting stage, the original continental margin architecture is interpreted to strongly influence subsequent convergent deformation. The profoundly different nature of the two dominant décollements in the study area controlled the structural style of the fold and thrust belt. The decoupling capacity of the upper décollement is strongly dependent on the thickness of the Triassic evaporites. Where this is significant (≫1 km; southern outer Albanides), the occurrence of such a thick incompetent layer at the base of competent carbonate units favored the development of break-thrust folds and imbrication of the sedimentary cover. Fold and thrust belt propagation was instead hindered where original stratigraphic variations resulted in a reduced thickness (≤1 km) of Triassic evaporites. On the other hand, the deeper middle crustal décollement is controlled by basement rheology. Its reactivation during plate convergence was assisted by collision-related thermal weakening of the crust. This process governed late-stage (<5 Ma) crustal-scale tectonic inversion and plays a major role in controlling present-day seismicity.
42 63 - PublicationOpen AccessActive Deformation and Relief Evolution in the Western Lurestan Region of the Zagros Mountain Belt: New Insights From Tectonic Geomorphology Analysis and Finite Element Modeling(2020-12)
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; To unravel how and where coseismic and interseismic deformation impacts the spatial and temporal patterns of rock uplift of the Lurestan sector of the Zagros Mountains, we performed an investigation of the large‐scale features of topography and river network coupled with 2‐D finite element modeling. Geomorphological analysis and constraints from parameters such as elevation, local relief, normalized channel steepness index (ksn), river longitudinal profiles, and transformed river profiles (chi plots) were used to unravel the time‐space distribution of vertical motions. Whereas the much longer timescale over which topography grows and/or rivers respond to tectonic or climatic perturbations with respect to even multiple seismic cycles, the outputs of the finite element model yield fundamental information on the source of the late part of the spatiotemporal evolution of surface uplift recorded by the geomorphology. Model outputs shed new light into the processes controlling relief evolution in an actively growing mountain belt underlain by a major blind thrust. The outputs illustrate how coseismic slip controls localized uplift of a prominent topographic feature—the Mountain Front Flexure—located above the main upper crustal ramp of the principal basement thrust fault of the region, while continuous displacement along the deeper, aseismic portion of the same basement fault controls generalized uplift of the whole crustal block located farther to the NE, in the interior of the orogen.67 80