THE GEOMORPHIC EXPRESSION OF NEOTECTONIC ACTIVIT Y IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF SILA (CALABRIA, SOUTHERN ITALY)

Abstract

In active tectonic regions, the topography is a primary reflec­tion of the interaction of tectonics and surf ace processes. We charac­terize tectonic processes through geomorphic investigations in the northem portion of Sila Massif (Calabria, Italy), that has been affec­ted by both crustal extension since the early Pliocene and regional, rapid surface and rock uplift in the Pleistocene. Our study focuses on river long profiles and related relief metrics. Tue results are consistent with a landscape adjusting to both the influence of local fault offset as well as regional base level fall. In particular, along the northem flank of Sila, our analysis identifies an anomalously high-relief region (the OD-ridge) bound by extensional faults. This ridge has induced chan­ges in the drainages, locally retarding headward extension of channels into this part of the plateau, which helps preserve the Sila upland as a relict landscape reflecting the prevailing tectonic and climatic setting prior to Quatemary uplift.