Morphostructural Setting and Tectonic Evolution of the Central Part of the Sicilian Channel (Central Mediterranean)

Abstract The Plio-Quaternary tectonic evolution of the central sector Sicilian Channel and resulting morphostructural setting have been analyzed using a large geophysical dataset consisting multichannel seismic profiles, which some them never published, available bathymetric data. This area hosts two regional-scale domains that registered complex pattern deformation occurred since Early Pliocene: (1) Rift Zone (SCRZ), can be divided into western formed by Pantelleria graben (PG) in eastern one represented Linosa Malta grabens (LG MG) (2) Capo Granitola-Sciacca Fault (CGSFZ), NNE-oriented lithospheric transfer zone crosses from Sicily coast to Island, only its northern part has studied date. Data interpretation allowed achieving following outcomes: (i) presence an alternation basins structural highs forming separation belt between sectors SCRZ, interpreted as shallow expression southern CGSFZ; (ii) NE-oriented lineament separating MG part, prosecution Scicli-Ragusa System; (iii) syn-rift deposits fill grabens, suggesting opening SCRZ was coeval, started Pliocene framework NW-oriented right-lateral transtensional mega-shear zone; (iv) continental rifting ended around Calabrian, during extensional tectonics dominated along belt; (v) CGSFZ conditioned configuration at regional scale, leading development PG LG one; (vi) after followed different with respect MG. were sealed undeformed post-rift succession, while suffered basin inversion Latest Calabrian time. During this stage, affected transpressional tectonics. At present, seem tectonically inactive, represents active domain.