Structural style, thermo-mechanic state and seismogenic role of the Adriatic thrust: Data and hints from an overview of the CROP 03 seismic profile and seismological data

Controversial geological interpretations of the Punta Ala-Gabicce CROP 03 near vertical seismic reflection profile are given in the literature (BARCHI et alii, 1998; DECANDIA et alii, 1998; FINETTI et alii, 2001). For the Apennine-outer Marche portion of the seismic line, the interpretations mainly differ in suggesting a thick-skinned or a thin-skinned style of the deformation. By re-analysing the line reflectors, comparing the previous interpretations and also considering information from the closely parallel Piombino-Ancona seismic refraction profile (DSS '78, PONZIANI et alii, 1995), a revised geometry is proposed. This is substantially coherent with the thick-skinned model and points out the presence of a SW-dipping thrust zone, not previously identified, here named the Adriatic Thrust (TA). The TA is the outermost thrust at the front of the Northern Apennines foldand-thrust belt system. It emerges along the Po Plain-Adriatic front, cross-cuts the entire crust and dislocates its ba...