Geophysical study of a crustal section across the Straits of Messina

Abstract

This paper presents the results of geophysical researches which can<br />contribute to a better definition of a structural model for the Straits of<br />Messina. It is part of the seismological researches, particularly of seismic<br />microzonation, which are being carried out in the area of the Straits.<br />The crustal model proposed for a cross section of the Straits has<br />been based, for its upper part, on data of dipole electrical soundings<br />and, for its deeper structures, on seismological observations and on their<br />comparison with data of active seismic.<br />the Graben structure of the Straits recently proposed, with the Calabrian<br />The obtained section emphasize, with some detail in the upper part, block structurally in a higher position than the Sicilian one. Such structural<br />character has been put in evidence by refraction seismic sections<br />to a depth of about 18 Km.<br />The correlation between the structures of the area surrounding the<br />Straits and the hypocentral distribution for the heaviest earthquakes with<br />focus in the area is pointed out.