La tectonique de la Mediterranee moyenne et les seismes

Abstract

Abstract Three superimposed structures can be distinguished in the central Mediterranean Alpine chains: tangential structures--folds and faults--of the geosynclinal period (Cretaceous); compression structures of the late geosynclinal period (Tertiary); and extension structures of the postgeosynclinal period (late Miocene). The Recent and sub-Recent volcanism and seismic shocks in the area are related to the structures of the last period. This seismicity does not represent the continuing formation of the Alpine chain but rather its continuing deformation. The southern part of the Dinarides seems to be a NNE-SSW extension of the vertical and horizontal movements along the local fracture zones.