Faulting, sediment loading, and flow of underlying ductile units: A case study from the Western Ionian Basin Offshore Eastern Sicily

Tectono-stratigraphic analysis coupled with digital 3D surface modelling derived from high-resolution seismic profiles is performed along a narrow turbidite basin offshore E-Sicily to increase understanding on the processes that contributed to the shaping of the Western Ionian Basin. Seismic-reflector patterns of the identified Pliocene-Quaternary sequence point to syn-depositional deformation during the Pliocene associated with the simultaneous activity of regional faults and underlying ductile units. Long-wavelength sediment fanning results from the extensional activity of the Malta Escarpment faults. Conversely, internal reflector architecture and lateral terminations indicate localized subsidence associated with the growth of uprising structures in the easternmost part of the basin. Lateral shifting of basin depocenters is in line with withdrawal effects observed in basins floored by ductile units (salt or shale). 3D modelling of time-reference surfaces highlights sub-circular depressions associated with nearby structural culminations. This pattern is similar to salt-withdrawal minibasins commonly reported in evaporite-floored basins. Accordingly, salt migration/flow triggered by sediment loading, locally enhanced by fault activity, is proposed as the process controlling basin evolution during the Pliocene in the Western Ionian Domain. Nevertheless, the possibility of shale/mud tectonics as ductile source of deformation cannot be discounted.