Finite element modelling of the recent- present deformation patter in the Calabrian arc and surrounding regions

TL;DRAbstract

An attempt is made to quantify the implications of the hypothesis that the recent-present deformation pattem in the Calabrian arc and the adjacent African margin is mainly determined by horizontal tectonic forces in- duced by the relative convergence of the confining blocks (Africa and Adriatic)- Modelling of present-day tec- tonic processes is carried out by means of a 2D finite element scheme involving elastic shells in a piane stl-ess approximation- On the assumption that tectonic processes are strongly influenced by the presencc of major di,- continuitie", the model includes zones whcre most deformations can concentl-ate Convcrgent and divcrgcnt boundaries are simulated by narrow belts having elastic parameters lower than those in the surrounding regions, transform boundaries are reproduced by orthotl-opic elements, Kinematic boundary conditions are im- po,ed to simulatc the relative convergence between Africa and the Adriatic, Numerical experimcnts show that this convergence cause

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