New data on geometry, kinematics and segmentation of the active normal fault system along the north-easter border of the Matese Mts. (Molise)

The presence of N-to-NE-dipping active normal faults along the north-eastern border of the Matese Mts is documented in the existing literature but the displacements accumulated by the normal faults during their activity and the segmentation pattern are largely unconstrained. Moreover, only few data, mostly collected in the southern termination of the system, constrain the late-Quaternary slip-rate. We present the results of a detailed structural-geological survey aimed to constrain the displacements and segmentation of the system. Late-Quaternary slip-rates are estimated by measuring the fault scarps which displace mountain slopes mostly formed during the retreat phase of the last glacial maximum (ca. 18 ka). Fault displacements can be constrained in the central-northern part of the system (M. Patalaecchia - S. Massimo), with values varying, from N to S, from 300 m (Piana de Il Lago) to 690 m (M. Patalecchia) to 50 m (S. Massimo). The fault scarp heights, measured along the entire system, suggest minimum throw-rates ranging from 0.8 to 1.4 mm/a for the last 18 ka.