A review on the driving mechanism of the Tyrrhenian–Apennines system: implications for the present seismotectonic setting in the Central-Northern Apennines

The formation of the Tyrrhenian–Apennines system has been characterized by a complex distribution of major tectonic events, such as opening of basins, migration and distortion of orogenic belts, retreat of trench zones, stopping of consuming processes and starting of new subductions. The various aspects of each event, such as timing, location, dimension and deformation style, impose important constraints on the genetic mechanism. In this work we argue that the numerous constraints implied by all events together may be plausibly and coherently explained as effects of the convergence of the confining Africa, Arabia and Eurasia plates. Crucial evidence for discriminating among the various geodynamic hypotheses so far advanced is provided by the structural/tectonic information recently provided by CROP seismic sections in the study area. The proposed evolutionary history is illustrated by several paleogeographic maps, which provide a more detailed reconstruction than previous attempts. Particular attention is paid to describing the tectonic setting developed since the middle Pleistocene in the Apennines belt and its connection with seismic activity.