Deformation history during chain building deduced by outcrop structural analysis: The case of the Sicilian fold-and-thrust belt (Central Mediterranean). (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Napoli, G.; Nigro, F.; Favara, R.; Renda, P.; Salvaggio, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geodynamics. Volume 91(2015)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Collisional tectonics -- Structural pattern -- Sequence of deformation -- Sicilian belt; Geodynamics -- Periodicals; Earth movements -- Periodicals; Rock deformation -- Periodicals; Earth -- Internal structure -- Periodicals; 551.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jog.2015.08.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-3707

Abstract

Highlights: We analyzed small-scale structures in a few key areas of the Sicilian chain. The overprinting relationship between the structures shown their relative timing. The timing of small-scale structures can be related with the chain deformation history. Abstract: The Sicilian fold-and-thrust belt is located in the central Mediterranean area, and it represents the south-eastern arcuate segment of the Apennine-Maghrebide orogen. The tectonic evolution of the Sicilian belt is documented after outcrop analysis of small-scale structural features carried out throughout the region. Results are consistent with the following four main deformation stages having affected the study area, from the oldest to the youngest: (i) multilayer weakening; (ii) folding-and-thrusting, (iii) extension, and (iv) renewed thrusting. The first deformation stage included three different substages (layer-parallel shortening, bed-parallel simple shear and fold nucleation), the second one by both thrusting and fold amplification and tightening. The third deformation stage involved re-activation of the pre-existing mechanical discontinuities and formation of low-to-high angle normal faults. Out-of-sequence thrusting postdated the aforementioned extensional stage, and formed the latest orogenic deformation stage that affected the Sicilian belt.