Articles | Volume 17, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-665-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-665-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
20 Apr 2026
Research article |
| 20 Apr 2026
| 20 Apr 2026
First tomographic imaging of mid-crustal doubling at the Abruzzi outer thrust front, central-southern Italy
Rita de Nardis
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Sciences, Study University “G. d'Annunzio” Chieti – Pescara, Chieti, 66013, Italy
CRUST – Interuniversity Centre for 3D Seismotectonics with Territorial Applications, Chieti, 66013, Italy
Department of Sciences, Study University “G. d'Annunzio” Chieti – Pescara, Chieti, 66013, Italy
CRUST – Interuniversity Centre for 3D Seismotectonics with Territorial Applications, Chieti, 66013, Italy
Luca De Siena
CRUST – Interuniversity Centre for 3D Seismotectonics with Territorial Applications, Chieti, 66013, Italy
Department of Physics and Astronomy (DIFA), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy
Maria Adelaide Romano
National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS, Trieste, 34010, Italy
Francesco Brozzetti
Department of Sciences, Study University “G. d'Annunzio” Chieti – Pescara, Chieti, 66013, Italy
CRUST – Interuniversity Centre for 3D Seismotectonics with Territorial Applications, Chieti, 66013, Italy
Giusy Lavecchia
Department of Sciences, Study University “G. d'Annunzio” Chieti – Pescara, Chieti, 66013, Italy
CRUST – Interuniversity Centre for 3D Seismotectonics with Territorial Applications, Chieti, 66013, Italy
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Short summary
The Outer Thrust System (OTS) in coastal Abruzzi (Italy) remains debated in terms of its geometry, seismic activity, and deformation style. This study presents a new seismic tomography of the Abruzzi Arc basal thrust, revealing mid-crustal doubling at depths of 14–24 km. The conceptual 3D model highlights deep compressive tectonics influencing the crustal structure. If the thrust is seismogenic, it could have significant implications for regional geodynamics and seismic hazard assessment.
The Outer Thrust System (OTS) in coastal Abruzzi (Italy) remains debated in terms of its...
