Late Quaternary faulting in the southern Matese (Italy): implications for earthquake potential and slip rate variability in the southern Apennines

Abstract. We studied the Gioia Sannitica active normal fault (GF) along southern Matese (SMF) system in Apennines of Italy detail. The current activity and its potential to produce strong earthquakes have been underestimated so far are now defined here. Precise mapping GF trace on a 1:20 000 geological map point line data geometry, kinematics, slip rate faults forming SMF made available electronic format. GF, entire mountain front general, is slowly slipping with long history revealed by large geologic offsets, mature geomorphology, complex patterns kinematics. Present has resulted late Quaternary scarps resurrecting foot Holocene surface faulting. resurrected indicates variation through time. varies along-strike, maximum Upper Pleistocene–Holocene ? 0.5 mm yr?1. Activation 11.5 km can up M 6.2 earthquakes. If activated together 18.5 Ailano–Piedimonte (APMF), seismogenic would be 6.8. two compatible contemporaneous rupture. observed displacements APMF activations during some poorly constrained historical earthquakes, such as 1293 (M 5.8), 1349 6.8; possibly prolongation rupture Aquae Iuliae fault), 346 CE A 847 earthquake also chronologically dated displacements.