3‐D Architecture and Plio‐Quaternary Evolution of the Paola Basin: Insights Into the Forearc of the Tyrrhenian‐Ionian Subduction System

Abstract

Using seismic reflection profiles and bathymetric data, we analyzed the stratigraphy and tectonics of the Paola Basin, providing information on the dynamic of the forearc of the Tyrrhenian-Ionian subduction system. The Paola Basin is a NNW-SSE trending syncline, bounded by the Coastal Chain to the east and the Paola Anticline to the west. It hosts up to 5.2 km thick Plio-Quaternary deposits, most of them supplied from Apenninic/Sila entry points and transported by longshore currents. The total subsidence reaches a value of ∼5 km. The sedimentary load varies from 60% to 75% of the total subsidence. The Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene sedimentary infill of the syncline displays a strata growth geometry consistent with a continuous rotation of the eastern limb of the Paola Anticline. Crustal folding can explain both the tectonic subsidence of the Paola Basin and the uplift of the Paola Anticline. To the east of the basin, Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene growth of the central sector of the Coastal Chain led to the definition of the Paola and Crati basins, previously connected in a larger proto basin. The trench-parallel component of the plate movement was accommodated by a strike-slip zone, with associated releasing and restraining bends coinciding with the Paola Anticline. The bathymetric expression of the strike-slip zone consists of structural highs and depressions that overall form the Paola Ridge. Since the Middle Pleistocene, the growth of the Paola Anticline and Paola Basin came to an end and extensional tectonics controlled the evolution of the forearc region.

An Integrated Multiscale Method for the Characterisation of Active Faults in Offshore Areas. The Case of Sant’Eufemia Gulf (Offshore Calabria, Italy)

“…The Tyrrhenian basin developed since Late Miocene within the frame of Europe-Africa convergence and was mainly controlled by the westward and northwestward subduction of the Adriatic and Ionian lithosphere (Carminati et al, 1998;Faccenna et al, 2001;Carminati and Doglioni, 2005). The upper plate of the subduction system, from west to east, consists of back-arc basins that appear younger southeastwards (Vavilov and Marsili basins;Carminati and Doglioni, 2005;Faccenna et al, 2001;Faccenna et al, 2007), an arc-shaped volcanic ridge (i.e., Aeolian islands), and a forearc region including the Calabrian Arc and the Calabrian accretionary wedge (Corradino et al, 2020;Pepe et al, 2010;Figures 1A,B).…”

“…NNW-SSE strike-slip fault systems also affected both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian offshore of the northern Calabrian Arc (i.e., Paola Basin in the Tyrrhenian offshore, and the Amendolara Ridge in the Ionian offshore, PB and AR in Figure 1A) during the Late Pliocene-Early Pleistocene (Ferranti et al, 2014;Corradino et al, 2020).…”

Arc and forearc rifting in the Tyrrhenian subduction system

“…( c ) Development of the new volcanic arc in the forearc domain. The depth of the Moho discontinuity and the lower plate derived from literature data 4 , 34 , 65 – 67 . Inset shows the location of the section.…”

“…Its evolution is punctuated by phases of subsidence and uplift, and characterised by compressional and extensional episodes. The mechanisms of forearc basin formation are poorly understood, and probably reflect the behaviour of megathrust and the overall response of the upper plate to slab rollback and trench retreat 1 – 4 . On the other side of the volcanic arc, the backarc basin form when the subduction rate exceeds the plate convergence rate 5 – 7 , leading to lithospheric stretching and locally to continental break-up, mantle exhumation or seafloor spreading 8 .…”

Kinematics of Deformable Blocks: Application to the Opening of the Tyrrhenian Basin and the Formation of the Apennine Chain

“…Tuscan magmatism is starting near the triple junction of the two rifts. [106] (and reference therein) (Figure 16b). Further south the Catanzaro Trough was reactivated.…”