1:5,000 geological map of the upper Cretaceous intraplatform-basin succession in the "Gravina di Matera" canyon (Apulia Carbonate Platform, Basilicata, southern Italy)

This paper shows the main results of a multidisciplinary study performed along the southeastern sector of the Agri Valley in Basilicata (Southern Italy), where Cenozoic units, crucial for constraining the progressive evolution of the Southern Apennine thrust and fold belt and, more in general, the geodynamic evolution of the Mediterranean area are widely exposed. In particular, we aimed at understanding the stratigraphic and tectonic setting of deep-sea, thrust-top Cenozoic units exposed immediately to north of Montemurro, between Costa Molina and Monte dell’Agresto. In the previous works different units, showing similar sedimentological characteristics but uncertain age attribution, have been reported in the study area. In our study, we focussed on the Albidona Formation, pertaining to the Liguride realm, which shows most significant uncertainties regarding the age and the stratigraphic setting. The study was based on a detailed field survey which led to a new geological map of the area. This was supported by new stratigraphic, biostratigraphic and structural analyses. Biostratigraphic analysis provided an age not older than the upper Ypresian and not younger than the early Priabonian. Recognition of marker stratigraphic horizons strongly helped in the understanding of the stratigraphy of the area. The study allowed a complete revision of the stratigraphy of the outcropping Cenozoic units, the recognition of until now unknown tectonic structures and the correlation between surface and subsurface geology.

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Upper Cretaceous Benthic Foraminifera Thriving in Intertidal Areas of the Apennine Carbonate Platform

International Journal of Paleobiology & Paleontology ◽

10.23880/ijpbp-16000114 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Consorti L

Keyword(s):

Benthic Foraminifera ◽

Upper Cretaceous ◽

Carbonate Platform ◽

Ecological Networks ◽

Extreme Conditions ◽

Intertidal Area ◽

Extreme Salinity

The intertidal area of carbonate platform hosts a complex array of ecological networks in which microbials, algae, cyanobacteria and benthic foraminifera coexist. Being influenced by the amplitude of tides, intertidal areas frequently experience episodes of extreme conditions, including hypersaline waters and elevate daily temperatures. An interesting record of Upper Cretaceous fossil benthic foraminifera found within the intertidal facies of Apennine Carbonate Platform is presented and discussed. Two local gatherings of juvenile Scandonea and adult Rotalispira maxima suggest that the intertidal area was frequently colonized by benthic foraminifera. The results show that these populations of foraminifera were able to tolerate periods of extreme salinity and temperature for reproduction or feeding purposes.

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Regional Seismic Characterization of Shallow Subsoil of Northern Apulia (Southern Italy)

Geosciences ◽

10.3390/geosciences11100416 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 416

Author(s):

Enrico Paolucci ◽

Giuseppe Cavuoto ◽

Giuseppe Cosentino ◽

Monia Coltella ◽

Maurizio Simionato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Southern Italy ◽

Carbonate Platform ◽

Low Cost ◽

Principal Component ◽

Ambient Vibration ◽

Resonance Effects ◽

Resonance Phenomena ◽

Single Station ◽

Seismic Characterization

A first-order seismic characterization of Northern Apulia (Southern Italy) has been provided by considering geological information and outcomes of a low-cost geophysical survey. In particular, 403 single-station ambient vibration measurements (HVSR techniques) distributed within the main settlements of the area have been considered to extract representative patterns deduced by Principal Component Analysis. The joint interpretation of these pieces of information allows the identification of three main domains (Gargano Promontory, Bradanic Through and Southern Apennines Fold and Thrust Belt), each characterized by specific seismic resonance phenomena. In particular, the Bradanic Through is homogeneously characterized by low frequency (<1 Hz) resonance effects associated with relatively deep (>100 m) seismic impedance, which is contrasting corresponding to the buried Apulian carbonate platform and/or sandy horizons located within the Plio-Pleistocene deposits. In the remaining ones, relatively high frequency (>1 Hz) resonance phenomena are ubiquitous due to the presence of shallower impedance contrasts (<100 m), which do not always correspond to the top of the geological bedrock. These general indications may be useful for a preliminary regional characterization of seismic response in the study area, which can be helpful for an effective planning of more detailed studies targeted to engineering purposes.

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