Application of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) fabrics to determine the kinematics of active tectonics: examples from the Betic Cordillera, Spain, and the Northern Apennines, Italy

Abstract. The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) technique provides an effective way to measure fabrics and, in the process, interpret kinematics actively deforming orogens. We collected rock fabric data alluvial fan sediments surrounding Sierra Nevada massif, Spain, and a broader range Cenozoic rocks across Northern Apennine foreland, Italy, explore deformation that contribute ongoing discussions orogenic kinematics. is regional massif hinterland Betic Cordillera. recovered nearly identical regardless specimen mineralogy, structural position, crustal depth, or time. principal elongation axes are NE–SW agreement with mineral lineations, GPS geodesy, seismicity results. trends consistent convergence history Africa–Eurasia plate boundary. In we measured AMS specimens along corridor spanning transition from shortening extension Apennines. Samples have compatible only wedge locked penetrative contractional fabrics, even for those samples were translated into extending domain. both regions, found low degree oblate ellipsoids tectonic superposed on compaction fabrics. Collectively, these studies demonstrate novel ways can be combined structural, seismic, geodetic resolve space