The October-November 2002 Molise seismic sequence (southern Italy): an expression of Adria intraplate deformation

A new seismotectonic model for the outer Central-Southern Apennines, including the epicentral area of the 2002 Molise seismic sequence, and adjacent foreland is proposed. The seismic sequence is related to foreland deformation affecting the Adriatic litho-sphere. Such deformation is characterized by active NW-SE compression, resulting in the reactivation, mainly as dextral strike-slip faults, of pre-existing east-west oriented structures, both offshore and onshore. One of these structures is interpreted to extend westward and to reach the epicentral area of the recent earthquakes. NW-SE compression, ultimately related with Africa-Europe plate convergence, and uplift would essentially control the active tectonics of the analysed region.