Geodynamic and seismotectonic model of a long-lived transverse structure: The Schio-Vicenza Fault System (NE Italy)

Abstract. We make a thorough review of geological and seismological data on the long-lived Schio-Vicenza Fault System (SVFS) in northern Italy present for it geodynamic seismotectonic interpretation. The SVFS is major high-angle structure transverse to mean trend eastern Southern Alps fold-and-thrust belt, knowledge this deeply rooted literature spans more than century half. main fault (SVF), which has significant imprint landscape across Veneto-Friuli foreland. SVF can be divided into segment, extending chain north Schio mapped up Adige Valley, southern one, coinciding with proper. latter segment borders east Lessini Mountains, Berici Mountains Euganei Hills block, separating foreland structural high from foreland, continues southeastward beneath recent sediments plain via blind Conselve–Pomposa fault. structures forming have been active different tectonic phases styles faulting at least since Mesozoic, long-term dip-slip component well defined and, contrary, horizontal movement not being constrained. interrupts continuity thrust fronts Veneto sector, suggesting that played passive role controlling geometry belt possibly current distribution seismic release. As whole, apart moderate seismicity along few observations there little evidence constrain activity SVFS. In context, SVFS, specifically its strand, accommodated amount shortening adjacent domains Adriatic (Dolomites) indenter by internal deformation produced lateral variation strength, related Permian–Mesozoic paleogeographic domains. historical instrumental shows does appear generated large earthquakes during last hundred years. points dextral strike-slip activity, also corroborated field analysis antithetic Riedel cropping out segment. Conversely, sinistral activity. apparently conflicting reconciled considering style as driven indentation plate, while opposite explained opening “zipper” model, where intersecting pairs simultaneously faults sense shear merge single system.