Recent Evolution and Seismicity of the Mediterranean Region: 402 (Nato Science Series C:, 402) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792323254 ISBN 13: 9780792323259

Publisher: Springer, 1993

Synopsis

The Mediterranean is one of the most studied regions of the world. In spite of this, a considerable spread of opinions exists about the geodynamic evolution and the present tectonic setting of this zone. The difficulty in recognizing the driving mechanisms of deformation is due to a large extent to the complex distribution in space and time of tectonic events, to the high number of parameters involved in this problem and to the scarce possibility of carrying out quantitative estimates of the deformation implied by the various geodynamic hypotheses. However, we think that a great deal of the present ambiguity could be removed if there were more frequent and open discussions among the scientists who are working on this problem. The meeting ofERICE was organized to provide an opportunity in this sense. In making this effort, we were prompted by the conviction that each step towards the understanding of the Mediterranean evolution is of basic importance both for its scientific consequences and for the possibleimplicationsfor society. It is well known, for instance, that the knowledge ofongoing tectonic processes in a given region and of their connection with seismic activity may lead to the recognition of middle­ long term precursors of strong earthquakes. The few cases of tentative earthquake prediction in the world occurred where information on large scale seismotectonic behavior was available. This led to identify the zones prone to dangerous shocks, where observations of short-term earthquake precursors were then concentrated.

About this title

Synopsis

The geodynamic evolution of the Mediterranean region has been often described as a 'puzzling problem' because of the complex space-time distribution of tectonic events. The gathering of new constraining information and frequent changes of data and ideas among the scientists working on this topic seems to be the most suitable approach to the above problem. Special attention is devoted to regions, such as the Aegean-Anatolian and central Mediterranean, which played a crucial role in the evolution of the whole Mediterranean area. A considerable improvement in the understanding of the post-Tortonian deformation pattern of the Tyrrhenian-Apennine system has been achieved by recent geological and geophysical investigations. The geodynamic implications of the data presently available might provide important insights into the evolution of continental collision zones, where shortening processes may also involve lateral extrusion of crustal wedges and consumption of continental-like lithosphere.The main uncertainties which still surround the relative motion between Africa and Eurasia in the Mediterranean region are also pointed out.

The arguments reported in this volume are mainly addressed to research scientists and advanced students of the earth sciences. This volume reports information about the evolutionary history and the present structural-tectonic setting of the Mediterranean region, which has been presented and discussed during a meeting on 'Recent Evolution and Seismicity of the Mediterranean Region', held in Erice (Italy) in September 1992. Recent results of geological, geophysical, seismological, volcanological and paleomagnetic studies are described. The geodynamic implications of the presently available data set might provide important insights into the evolution of continental collision zones, where shortening processes may also involve lateral extrusion of crystal wedges and consumption of continental-like lithosphere.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792323254
• ISBN 13: 9780792323259
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 441
• Editor: Boschi E., Mantovani E., Morelli A.