Soft-sediment deformation structures interpreted as seismites in middle-late Pleistocene aeolian deposits (Apulian foreland, southern Italy)

Soft-sediment deformation structures in middle-late Pleistocene deposits of Torre San Gennaro (Brindisi--southern Italy) have been analysed. From a morphologic point of view, the deformational structures are represented by deformed cross-bedding and large injection structures. They are restricted to aeolian sediments, and the mechanism of deformation is related to liquefaction and/or fluidization processes. The liquefaction and/or fluidization processes have been interpreted as seismic-induced after consideration of all other possible trigger agents. The discussion about the possible source areas of the palaeoseismic event was carried out through the analysis both of the general magnitude /distance relations and the main structural features of the study zone. In conclusion we consider the key criteria for trigger mechanism interpretation of soft-sediment deformation structures in aeolian deposits and the actual feasibility of using aeolian sediments for the palaeoseismic studies.