Geological and Geodetic Constraints on the Active Deformation along the Northern Margin of the Hyblean Plateau (SE Sicily)

A geologic and geodetic integrated analysis of the northern margin of the Hyblean Plateau (SESicily) has been carried out in order to test the relationship between the active deformation,recorded by GPS data, and the long-term tectonic evolution, reconstructed by the interpretation ofstructural and morphological data. Our study revealed the active growth of a large antiform, as aconsequence of the positive tectonic inversion of the previous flexure, bordering the HybleanForeland. The deformation of Middle-Late Pleistocene marine terraces and the evolution of thedrainage system are consistent with a progressive regional tilting of the entire eastern sector of theHyblean Plateau (Siracusa Domain), representing the southern limb of the active antiform. Thegeometry of the Late Quaternary marine strandlines, compared with the results of analogue models,is compatible with the effects of the NW-ward propagation of a detachment fault at depth. Theactive deformation of the Hyblean region, coherent with the Nubia-Eurasia plate convergence,suggests to candidate the inverted tectonics at the northern border of the Hyblean Plateau aspotential seismogenic sources of the area.