Publication Date:
2022-02-18
Description:
The Mediterranean Basin is characterized by a significant variability in tectonic behaviour,
ranging from subsidence to uplifting. However, those coastal areas considered to be tectonically
stable show coastal landforms at elevations consistent with eustatic and isostatic sea level change
models. In particular, geomorphological indicators—such as tidal notches or shore platforms—are
often used to define the tectonic stability of the Mediterranean coasts. We present the results of
swim surveys in nine rocky coastal sectors in the central Mediterranean Sea using the Geoswim
approach. The entire route was covered in 22 days for a total distance of 158.5 km. All surveyed
sites are considered to have been tectonically stable since the last interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage
5.5 [MIS 5.5]), because related sea level markers fit well with sea level rise models. The analysis of
visual observations and punctual measurements highlighted that, with respect to the total length
of surveyed coast, the occurrence of tidal notches, shore platforms, and other indicators accounts
for 85% of the modern coastline, and only 1% of the MIS 5.5 equivalent. Therefore, only 1% of the
surveyed coast showed the presence of fossil markers of paleo sea levels above the datum. This
significant difference is mainly attributable to erosion processes that did not allow the preservation
of the geomorphic evidence of past sea level stands. In the end, our research method showed that the
feasibility of applying such markers to define long-term tectonic behaviour is much higher in areas
where pre-modern indicators have not been erased, such as at sites with hard bedrock previously
covered by post-MIS 5.5 continental deposits, e.g., Sardinia, the Egadi Islands, Ansedonia, Gaeta,
and Circeo. In general, the chances of finding such preserved indicators are very low.
Description:
Published
Description:
2127
Description:
4A. Oceanografia e clima
Description:
7A. Geofisica per il monitoraggio ambientale
Description:
JCR Journal
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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