Genetically Linked Sedimentary Basins to Define a Kinematic Model of the Central Mediterranean Extension

The Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean) is an extensional area that formed during the collision between Africa and Eurasia. Through the analysis of well logs and seismic profiles we reconstructed the stratigraphic successions and the structural style of the Tyrrhenian sedimentary basins. The sequence stratigraphy interpretation of well logs permitted us to recognize third and fourth order depositional sequences and the stratigraphic signatures of the rift stages. The study area features several sediment overfilled/balanced infill basins that resulted from the superposition of several rifting events characterized by high rates of basin subsidence. These outcomes led us to propose five rifting episodes occurred from Miocene to Quaternary affecting the upper plate. The suggested geodynamic scenario takes into account a progressive rupture of the slab and formation of sedimentary basins in the upper plate.