Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the Campania margin (Tyrrhenian Sea)

The role of the Campania margin faults in the opening of the Tyrrhenian back-arc basin still poorly constrained. The Campania margin, was investigated through the interpretation of seismic reflection and borehole data together with a stratigraphic correlation of dated outcropping units. The interpretation of a seismic grid using seismic and sequence stratigraphy and structural geology approaches in a dedicated GIS environment led to the generation of 2-D models of relevant geological surfaces, isochron maps, a 3-D digital model of the subsurface and to the reconstruction of the geological evolution of the margin with a resolution of 100 ka. The Campania margin is formed by five sub-basins (Northern Gaeta Bay, Central Gaeta Bay, Southern Geata Bay, Campania Plain and Naples Bay) characterized by a stratigraphic fill of Pliocene-Quaternary clastics and volcanics. The analysis of 3D geometry of normal faults and basin architectures permitted us to propose a kinematic evolution of the margin characterized by several tectonic stages and a progressive change in rifting direction. © Società Geologica Italiana, Roma 2013.