Geodynamic modeling reveals lower-crustal delamination drives active deformation and seismicity in the Apennines, indicating how intra-lithospheric decoupling sustains orogenic activity.
Key Points
To identify the primary geodynamic mechanism driving ongoing crustal deformation and seismicity across the Apennines-Tyrrhenian tectonic system.
Integrated regional geodetic, seismic, and geological datasets across the Apennines thrust belt and Tyrrhenian back-arc basin.
Applied an elastic flexural framework to model crustal extension, contraction, and vertical lithospheric motions around a propagating hinge.
Lower-crustal delamination was identified as the primary geodynamic driver responsible for active upper-crustal deformation and localized seismicity across the Apennines.
Delamination propagates along a continuous hinge, transferring deformation tens of kilometers away from the thrust front despite back-arc basin opening ceasing around 2 Ma.