An overview of the Crotone Basin (central Mediterranean): tectonics, geohazards and geoenergy implications

Giacomo Mangano¹, Massimo Zecchin², Dario Civile³ & Salvatore Critelli^4
1Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, 87036, Italy .
²National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS, Sgonico, TS, 34010, Italy.
Corresponding author e-mail: giacomo.mangano@unical.it

The Neogene–Quaternary Crotone Basin on the Ionian side of the Calabrian Arc, represents one of the most tectonically complex and resource-rich forearc basins in the Central Mediterranean governed by contractional and strike-slip tectonics. Integration of seismic interpretation, well-log correlation, and burial and thermal modeling provides new insights into the interplay between tectonic deformation, gravitational processes, and petroleum system development. Results demonstrate that the Rossano–San Nicola Fault Zone (RSFZ) has exerted since the Late Tortonian, dextral transpressional and transtensional activity along this shear zone and governed the emplacement of the Cariati Nappe, the differentiation between the Cirò and Crotone areas, the formation of a NW-oriented positive flower structure and structural highs both onshore and offshore. The RSFZ also influenced the onset of large-scale gravitational instability, providing the tectonic framework for the subsequent development of the Crotone Megalandslide. The c. 1500 km² extended Crotone Megalandslide is interpreted as a long-lived, gravity-driven collapse translating above a Messinian evaporitic detachment. Its paroxysmal phase during the Late Zanclean–Piacenzian was triggered by renewed transpressional uplift along the RSFZ, whereas subsequent quiescence and reactivation phases correspond to major geodynamic reorganisations of the Central Mediterranean— Gelasian subsidence linked to the opening of the Marsili backarc basin and Middle Pleistocene uplift of the Calabrian Arc. These transpressional tectonics-driven gravitational processes strongly modulated the petroleum system of the Crotone Basin. Burial and thermal modeling indicate that Triassic–Lower Jurassic and Aptian–Cenomanian source rocks entered the gas window during Miocene–Pliocene subsidence, while the emplacement of mass-transport deposits enhanced heat flow and overburden. Proven Serravallian and Tortonian reservoirs were incorporated within compressional domains of the megalandslide, where structural folding and Messinian evaporitic seals created effective traps.

Crotone Basin, strike-slip tectonics, Crotone Megalandslide, Petroleum System Modelling, Calabrian Arc.