Architettura delle Alpi Friulane

The aim of this work is to propose a structural and evolutionary model of the Friulian Area. 8 deep geological sections strictly connected in a greed were realized and represented on 1: 100.000 scale, they analyze till the deep of 15 Km geometrical relationship between tectonic structures layed out on different developing phases of the Friulian chain. The sections 1, 2, 3 , 4 and 5 cut the range approximately at N-S direction. They orthogonally analyze the Neo-Alpine E-W structures of the Neogenic phases. Instead the SW-NE oriented section n. 6 is orthogonal to the Dinaric NW-SE compressive structures, of the late Cretaceous-Eocene, and dextral transcurrent of the last deforming stages. The E-W oriented section n.7 and 8, connect the other ones analyzing the inner sectors of the chain. From this model (see geo-chart 1:200.000 scale) a type of range with a very closing structure comes out. The Friulian arch which characterizes the Eastern Southern Alps, is the result of the North Adriatic wedge indentation towards NNE. The Friulian Platform, particularly compact and strong, operated as a cinematic obstacle to the spreading of the most superficial and external overthrusts caused by the “crostal” underthrusting. The last one was originally North-East bound (Paleogenic Dinaric phase), then it changed direction towards NNW. The area acted like an hinge in that way and the thrust “overlapped” themselves in an arch shaped imbricate fan with vergence towards the centre of the Friulian Plain. .