Crustal Structure and Moho Geometry beneath the Northern Apennines (Italy)

Abstract

We used receiver functions (RFs) from broad‐band seismic stations to investigate the crustal structure of the Northern Apennines, Italy. Additionally, we use data obtained in this study to provide initial constraints for a map of the Moho depth of Italy. Ten stations were deployed along a transect [N75°E] during the 1994 GeoModAp project. RF analysis shows the presence of lateral variations in the crust. We observed patterns of symmetric and anti‐symmetric converted phases from radial and tangential RFs vs. back‐azimuth. These patterns can be explained by the presence of dipping interfaces and/or anisotropy within the crust. We then inverted RFs following the inversion scheme proposed by Sambridge [1999] . The results show the presence of S ‐velocity inversions in the lower crust beneath the Apennines, the upwelling of Moho in the Tyrrhenian area and its progressive deepening from the Tyrrhenian Sea toward the Adriatic coast.