Structural constraints for kinematic modeling: the Tyrrhenian Pleistocene extension

The Tyrrhenian margin of the Apennine chain (TMAC) experienced widespread extensional tectonics characterized by volcanism and the formation of several marine and intermontane troughs and basins in Pleistocene times. The Campania Plain is part of this extensional system, which encompasses an area from the southern Tuscany to the northern margin of Calabria. Extensional tectonics affecting these continental areas is likely to be related with the final stages of the opening of the southern Tyrrehnian Sea, which developed since Middle Tortonian times. This work present a quantitative kinematic model to explain the relationships between extension in the Tyrrhenian Sea, basin formation in the TMAC, migration of the Apenninic arcs, and geotectonic setting of volcanism. A synthesis of the volcanic, structural and geophysical data available in literature coupled with a detailed morpho-tectonic analysis of the study areas was used in a computer-aided reconstruction techniques based on interactive modelling of rigid blocks rotations.