Three dimensional Gravity Local Inversion Across the Area Struck by the 2016–2017 Seismic Events in Central Italy

In this work, the crustal volume struck by the 2016–2017 seismic sequence in Central and Northern Apennines is investigated using constrained 3‐D inversion of the gravity anomalies. In order to focus on the area comprising the two mainshocks of the sequence, we perform a regional field removal on the data as a preprocessing step. This residual data set is then inverted into a 3‐D density contrast model. We perform a series of inversions to test different geological scenarios and parameters, with increasing complexity in the reference geometries. We first test a model comprising turbidites, carbonates and evaporites, and basement and then introduce a low‐density layer at the top of the basement. The geometries are obtained in agreement with the available geological and geophysical information in the area. We found that the density distribution with depth is compatible with previous models. Moreover, results support the hypothesis based on borehole evidence of a low‐density upper basement across the entire area, possibly consisting of low‐grade metamorphic rocks (phyllites). Finally, we compare our modeling results to the spatial distribution at depth of major seismic events between August and November 2016. These events appear to be concentrated within the denser units at both shallow and deep locations, while the deeper events often occur in a region of major density contrast corresponding to the top of the basement. Key Points We produce 3‐D inversions of gravity anomalies to investigate the relations between lithology changes and seismic events We report a spatial relation between events distribution and density changes in the upper crust The derived models support a layered basement limiting the depth propagation of seismic events