New insights into the High Agri Valley deep structure revealed by magnetotelluric imaging and seismic tomography (Southern Apennine, Italy)

We present an electrical resistivity model obtained from a 2D Magnetotelluric survey across a large sector of the Southern Apennine in the High Agri Valley (HAV), a NW-SE trending intra-mountain basin, with a high seismogenic potential. The intensive hydrocarbon exploitation (Val d'Agri oilfield) makes this area also affected by induced seismicity. In this HAV sector, the injection of salt-water in an unproductive disposal well (Costa Molina 2) causes localized swarms of microearthquakes; a second cluster of continuous induced seismicity is also observed SW of the Pertusillo Lake and it is associated to the seasonal fluctuations of the reservoir's water level. The major insight inferred from this study concerns a better understanding of the geological and tectonic framework in the HAV. The electrical resistivity model images the subsurface as conductive sedimentary sequences (Allochthonous Units) upon the carbonate Apulian Platform Unit characterized by higher resistivity values. Both these units appear composed of thrust-and-fold system deepening with larger wavelength anticlines N-E toward. Most of the structures identified in the magnetotelluric model are rather superficial and confined within the Allochthonous Units. A sudden break of the Apulian platform under the central part of the MT profile defines a conductive zone possibly associated to a major SW-dipping reverse fault or to several branches, as closely spaced thrust-sheets cutting eastern flanks of the Agri Valley. Additional information on the HAV deep structures comes from the joint interpretation of the resistivity model and a 3D seismic tomographic model obtained from the inversion of passive seismic data collected in the period 2002-2018. The availability of this elastic representation of the subsurface allowed us to perform a cluster analysis on the electrical resistivity and seismic P-wave velocity distribution within the subsoil. This joint quantitative interpretation unveiled new insights, otherwise hidden by individual models, on the subsurface structure distinguishing some rheological zones in terms of barriers and asperities.

Automated summary

The electrical resistivity model provides insights into the geological framework and tectonic activity in the High Agri Valley of the Southern Apennine. The model highlights shallow thrust-and-fold structures within sedimentary sequences, with a discontinuity in the Apulian platform suggesting a major reverse fault or thrust sheets within the region. Joint interpretation with a 3D seismic tomographic model reveals new information on subsurface structures and rheological zones.