Basement Mapping of the Fucino Basin in Central Italy by ITRESC Modeling of Gravity Data

Sediments infilling in intermontane basins in areas with high seismic activity can
strongly affect ground-shaking phenomena at the surface. Estimates of thickness and density dis-
tribution within these basin infills are crucial for ground motion amplification analysis, especially
where demographic growth in human settlements has implied increasing seismic risk. We em-
ployed a 3D gravity modeling technique (ITerative RESCaling—ITRESC) to investigate the Fucino
Basin (Apennines, central Italy), a half-graben basin in which intense seismic activity has recently
occurred. For the first time in this region, a 3D model of the Meso-Cenozoic carbonate basement
morphology was retrieved through the inversion of gravity data. Taking advantage of the ITRESC
technique, (1) we were able to (1) perform an integration of geophysical and geological data con-
straints and (2) determine a density contrast function through a data-driven process. Thus, we
avoided assuming a priori information. Finally, we provided a model that honored the gravity
anomalies field by integrating many different kinds of depth constraints. Our results confirmed
evidence from previous studies concerning the overall shape of the basin; however, we also high-
lighted several local discrepancies, such as: (a) the position of several fault lines, (b) the position of
the main depocenter, and (c) the isopach map. We also pointed out the existence of a new, un-
known fault, and of new features concerning known faults. All of these elements provided useful
contributions to the study of the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the basin, as well as key infor-
mation for assessing the local site-response effects, in terms of seismic hazards.