PALEOSEISMOLOGICAL EVIDENCE IN CENTRAL APENNINES (ITALY)

In the paper, paleoseismological evidence observed in two Plio-Quaternary intermontane basins located in the Central Apennines (Rivisondoli and Rieti basins) are presented and discussed. These data allow us to better understand the seismic history for seismic hazard evaluation. In particular, for the Rivisondoli basin they suggest the occurrence of strong earthquakes (M > ۶) having a return period longer than the historical seismic catalogue. For the Rieti basin, the seismic catalogue reports an earthquake of Intensity X MCS occurred in ۱۲۹۸ near the studied site. The location of this event is still much doubtful and historical seismicity research are going on. If it will be confirmed, it will fit with the paleoseismic data; if not, we can reach the same conclusion of the Rivisondoli basin. Moreover, this evidence, togheter with the known geological and seismological data, point out an active tectonics model in which extensional block faulting plays a major role