Tectonics and Spatio-temporal Distribution of Seismicity

Tectonic activity in the central Mediterranean area is mainly controlled by the compressional and transcompressional interaction of the Adriatic plate with the surrounding belts. In the short-term the northward motion of Adria is discontinuous, being conditioned by the spatio-temporal distribution of main earthquakes in the surrounding belts. To explore the possibility that such distribution is not random, we have analysed the time patterns of seismicity in various sectors of the periAdriatic belts. The results obtained are compatible with the hypothesis that major decoupling shocks tend to migrate along the boundaries of Adria from the southern zones (Hellenides, Albanides, Calabria, Southern Apennines) to the northern Dinarides and Eastern Alps. The main features of the presumed migrating seismic sequences are discussed in detail, providing possible explanations for their connection with the short-term tectonic activity in the study area. Other possible connections between short-term tectonics and seismicity patterns are discussed for some peri Adriatic and Balkan zones.