The structural framework of the Val d’Agri region results from the superposition of different deformation events over time. In this area, the largest European onshore oil field was discovered in the 1980s, and since then, much geologic and geophysical data have been collected. However, the structural complexity and the poor quality of subsurface data have prevented a full understanding of fault evolution and kinematics so far. In this study, scaled sandbox analogue models have been used to better understand the role of syn-rift inheritance in the present-day structural architecture and to test different possible mechanisms of interaction between inherited transpressional structures at depth and newly formed extensional fault systems at shallow levels during regional quaternary extensional tectonics. Analogue models included two consecutive sinistral transpressional phases deforming the basement and the overlying Apulian Platform carbonates, affected by preexisting northeast–southwest-oriented extensional fault zones. The third phase of the experiments consisted of extensional reactivation of the previously formed transpressional structures. Different kinematic solutions were used to investigate the causal relationships between deep and shallow deformation structures. The very good similarity between the experimental results and the natural prototype strongly supports the presence at depth of a main northeast–southwest-oriented syn-rift extensional fault zone, which was affected by positive inversion during the transpressional deformation of the Apulian Platform below the Val d’Agri area. Comparison of experimental results with fault patterns interpreted on available seismic lines indicates that, despite that no direct connection from deep to shallow faults has been recognized, some structural control of the fault pattern at depth on the evolution of the Val d’Agri quaternary extensional fault systems at shallow depth is possible. Extensional deformations at depth can be accommodated by newly formed faults or by the extensional reactivation of inherited high-angle transpressional fault zones.

The Rovuma Basin is located along the eastern margin of northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania, forming one of a series of continental passive margin basins that stretch along the coast of East Africa. The basin covers onshore and offshore areas for approximately 64,000 Km2. The correct definition of the geological evolution of an area is of primary importance for a proper assessment of its petroleum potential; in the present work an integrated approach, based on seismic interpretation, structural analysis and 2D Gravimetric/Magnetic modelling, has been applied on three different interpreted seismic sections to provide more predictive and reliable geological models. The Gravimetric/Magnetic modelling has contributed to the definition of the Rovuma Basin architecture by testing two possible geological scenarios: one with a shallow top basement surface and another with a deep top basement surface, both interpreted on seismic data. Through the integrated potential methods study one of the above scenarios has been validated. The results of the integrated workflow could be summarized as:–proper basement surface depth scenario definition;–description of the main structural lineament geometries;–basaltic bodies geometry and location definition;–characterization of continental, transitional and oceanic crusts and definition of a possible Continental Ocean Boundary (COB) location. The mutual support between the structural studies and potential method teams has been the key to improve the geological knowledge in frontier exploration areas. Introduction The correct definition of the geological evolution of an area is of primary importance for a proper assessment of its petroleum potential. In the present work an integrated approach, based on seismic interpretation, structural analysis and 2D Gravimetric/Magnetic modelling, has been applied on three different interpreted seismic sections to provide more predictive and reliable geological models. 2D Gravimetric/Magnetic modelling are non-unique, many models may provide calculated gravity responses that will fit the observed profiles. However, with some geological control, sensible assumptions and knowledge of likely structural styles, the results can be constrained reasonably well. By combining geological and geophysical interpretations on three differently oriented interpreted seismic sections, the tectonic evolution of the Rovuma Basin has been investigated (Fig.1). The Gravimetric/Magnetic modeling has contributed to the definition of the Rovuma Basin architecture by testing two possible geological scenarios: one with a shallow top basement surface and another with a deep top basement surface, both interpreted on seismic data as possible basement. Through the integrated potential methods study one of the above scenarios has been validated.

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