Conclusions
In the last decades, paleomagnetism strongly contributed to understanding the geodynamic evolution of the Apennines system, providing quantitative constraints for the development of geodynamic models. Vertical axis rotations played a primary role in the Neogene and Quaternary geodynamic evolution of the Italian region.
In this paper, the curved shape of the Northern Apennines and the Calabrian Arc have been described in the framework of the space-time evolution of the Ionian-Adriatic subduction system. For both the arcs a mechanism of progressive arc has to be invoked. The main differences in the distribution of paleomagnetic rotations along the two arcs and in the amount of curvature find an explanation in the nature, length and different evolution of the lithospheres involved in the subduction process.