Contribution of different kinematic models and a complex Jurassic stratigraphy in the construction of a forward model for the Montagna dei Fiori fault-related fold (Central Apennines, Italy)

The Montagna dei Fiori has received attention from geologists over the past decades because of both its Jurassic stratigraphy and its complex present-day structure. The latter is the result of multiple phases of deformation, from the Early Jurassic, during the opening of the Tethyan Ocean, to Neogene evolution of the Apennines fold-and-thrust belt. In this paper. we present a new stratigraphic interpretation of the Jurassic palaeogeography, based on a new geological mapping project in the area. Using this new stratigraphy. we constructed two forward models, using a combination of different fault/fold interactions, in order to unravel the kinematic evolution of the Montagna dei Fiori fault-related fold. The first model was constructed manually using the fault-bend and fault-propagation theories from an in configuration which included previous extensional features, whereas the second model was constructed using the software 2DMove (Midland Valley) using the fault-bend and In shear fault-propagation folding theories and starting from a layer-cake stratigraphy. Both forward models involved the same main steps and provided a reasonable geological simulation of the geometry of the Montagna dei Fiori structure. Copyright 2010 (C) John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.