Why are earthquakes common along the Apennine Range?

Earthquakes are common along the Apennine Range primarily due to the complex tectonic interaction between the African and European plates.1

The range is characterized by its geologic youth and a structure defined by a thrust belt that continues to settle. This ongoing tectonic activity results in frequent seismic events, with over 40,000 earthquakes recorded since 1000 CE. Most of these earthquakes are shallow, occurring at depths between three and 19 miles.1

Additionally, the region has experienced significant crustal thinning over the past 10 million years, which led to the formation of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the development of numerous large faults along the western side of the Apennines. These geologic processes contribute to the area's high seismic risk, where earthquakes can be catastrophic, particularly in the central and southern portions of the chain and on the island of Sicily.12