The Vallo di Diano and Auletta extensional basins in the southern

The aim of this paper was to provide a significant case-history
concerning the evolution of a segmented system of extensional
faults and related basins, investigated by a set of seismic
reflection profiles. We investigated two kinematically linked
semi-grabens, developed at the hangingwall of two opposite-
dipping normal faults: the Vallo di Diano and Auletta basins,
located in the southern Apennines, one of the most seismically
active regions of the Italian peninsula. Our interpretation
suggests that the Pliocene–Quaternary tectonic history consists of a single extensional phase, where the major NW–SE trending
normal faults, generating the basins, and the strike-slip and
transtensional faults connecting adjacent normal fault seg-
ments, simultaneously act, being part of the same extensional
system. We also conclude that major normal faults, bordering
the basins, should be considered as potential seismogenic
sources in the seismic hazard evaluation.

This work has been developed within the
2005–2008 FIRB Project Research and
Development of New Technologies for
Protection and Defence of Territory from
Natural Risks , W.P. C3 Crustal Imaging
in Italy coordinated by P. Montone,
funded by the Italian Ministry of Uni-
versity and Research.

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