Mainshocks and aftershocks of the 2002 molise seismic sequence, southern Italy

Abstract

In October and November 2002, the Molise region (southern Italy) was struck by two moderate magnitude earth- quakeswithin 24 hours followed by an onemonth long aftershocks sequence. Soon after the ?rstmainshock (October 31st, 10.32 UTC, Mw 5.7), we deployed a temporary network of 35 three-component seismic stations. At the time of occurrence of the second main event (November 1st, 15.08 UTC, Mw 5.7) the eight local stations already installed allowed us to well constrain the hypocentral parameters. We present the location of the two mainshocks and 1929 aftershocks with 2 < ML < 4.2. Earthquake distribution reveals a E-trending 15 km long fault system composed by two main segments ruptured by the two mainshocks. Aftershocks de?ne two sub-vertical dextral strike-slip fault segments in agreementwith themainshock fault plane solutions. P- and T -axes retrieved from170 aftershocks focal mechanisms show a coherent kinematics: with a sub-horizontal NW and NE-trending P and T -axes, respectively. Fora small percentage of focal mechanisms (~10%) a rotation of T axes is observed, resulting in thrust solutions. The Apenninic active normal fault belt is located about 80 km westward of the 2002 epicentral area and signi?cant seismicity occurs only 20-50 km to the east, in the Gargano promontory. Seismic hazard was thought to be small for this region because neither historical earthquake are reported in the Italian seismic catalogue or active faults were previously identi?ed. In this context, the 2002 seismic sequence highlights the existence of trans-pressional active tectonics in between the extensional Apenninic belt and the Apulian foreland.