Deformative evolution of brittle fault rocks: study cases in Southern Alps and Northern Apennines and a geometrical simulation approach

Tectonites characterized by pervasive development of tectonic discontinuities frequently crop out in the Bologna area of Northern Apennines. Some of them represent the highly deformed levels (fault rocks) that accommodate the displacement along a tectonic lineament of regional importance (Sillaro Line). Other fault rocks with similar characters crop out in the Southern Alps, in the area west of Garda Lake. These deformations occur in the footwall sequences of the Tremosine-Tignale-Costa thrust. This work summarizes the observations and tries to reconstruct the evolution and mechanics of the fault rock structures.