First evidence of the Late Pleistocene—Holocene activity of the Roveto Valley Fault (Central Apennines, Italy)

We investigated the Late Quaternary activity of a major, crustal fault affecting southern sector Central Apennines, i.e., Roveto Valley Fault (also known as Liri fault). This chain was hit by numerous M>5 historical seismic events. For some these, e.g., 1654 one (M w 6.33), causative seismogenic source has never been conclusively defined. Within this seismotectonic framework, recent is still matter debate. Some authors defined its ended in Middle Pleistocene; others considered it currently active and at least portion. collected new geologic geomorphologic data along eastern (left) flank Valley, where crops out, we identified evidence displacement alluvial fans that attributed to Early, Middle, Pleistocene. Moreover, analysis relationship between colluvial/detrital deposits, chronologically constrained means radiocarbon dating, allowed us define activation also during times, is, over past few centuries. Evidence large trace for length tens kilometres. The results our studies contribute improve knowledge setting Apennines. Indeed, proving current casts light on possible sources major seismicity central Italy, potentially responsible severe damage wide area relevant cities, Rome being among them.