Relief inversion by denudation of the Monte Nerone anticline,central Italy

A model of denudation processes leading to relief inversion is developed for a section of the plunging anticline at Monte Nerone, in the Umbro-Marchean Apennines of central Italy. This model differs from previous schemes, as it applies to an anticline in which only the core consists of resistant rock. Furthermore, erosion, a combination of gullying and mass movement, is concentrated on the flanks rather than the crest of the fold, as strata dip steeply on the former yet are shallow on the latter. Whereas in most models of the geomorphic evolution of anticlines the crest is first to be eroded away, in the case of Monte Nerone it is preserved by scarp retreat from the upper flanks. Cuestas and flatirons have formed on the lower flanks and are in some cases affected by gravitational deformation. Phases of talus production, debris flowage and gullying have occurred in the valleys between the flatirons, thus dissecting the Cretaceous and Tertiary strata on the limbs of the anticline.The denudation of Monte Nerone shows similarities to and differences from other models of the geomorphic evolution of anticlines, and is related in this article to general neotectonic processes and Quaternary sedimentation.