Thomson, Stuart Nigel; (1993) Thermo-tectonics of the Calabrian Arc, southern Italy: Constraints from fission track analysis. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This study uses fission track analysis to provide temperature and time constraints on the cooling and exhumation history of the basement rocks of the Calabrian Arc of southern Italy. Fission track analysis also provides information on the provenance and burial history of the terrigenous Oligo-Miocene Stilo-Capo d'Orlando Formation. 65 samples from the basement rocks have yielded 57 apatite fission track ages, 54 zircon fission track ages and 25 apatite track length distributions. 9 samples from the Stilo- Capo d'Orlando Formation have yielded 8 apatite fission track ages, 8 zircon fission track ages and 6 apatite track length distributions. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the fission track data reveals that the majority of the basement rocks underwent a phase of increased cooling related to exhumation between about 35 Ma (Early Oligocene) and 15 Ma (Middle Miocene). Evidence from the local sedimentary record indicates that erosion played an important role in the exhumation process. Extensional tectonism also contributes to some of the increased exhumation. Analysis of the fission track results obtained from the Stilo-Capo d'Orlando Formation confirm a Calabrian basement provenance for the sediments. The previously debated origin of volcanic conglomerate clasts from the formation is also resolved. Finally apatite fission track analysis indicates post-depositional burial at the base of the formation to temperatures greater than 80° C. The final part of this thesis uses the fission track age and temperature constraints to produce an improved tectonic model for the Oligo-Miocene tectonic evolution of the Calabrian Arc. This model proposes that increased exhumation is a consequence of the dynamics of an overthickened orogenic wedge. The model is related to the overall plate dynamics of the western Mediterranean orogeny.

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