Abstract
The present study gathers a large amount of both existing and unpublished biostratigraphic data, which allows a detailed and complete definition of the stratigraphic features of the late Oligocene–late Miocene Maltese Archipelago sedimentary succession, recording in turn the tectonic and eustatic history of the Central Mediterranean region. We selected five sections in the Malta Island and three in Gozo, representative of the entire sedimentary succession, affected by well-known erosional surfaces, correlated to low-stands of the sea level, often associated with phoshatic layers, linked to the subsequent high-stands. The sedimentary interval, and thus the associated hiatuses, was constrained both by the bio-chronostratigraphic attribution and by the comparison with the third-order succession of the New Jersey passive margin, which shows strict analogy with the geodynamic context in which the Maltese succession deposited. The diachroneity at the base of the formations in the different sections, and the presence of intraformational unconformity/hiatuses, highlighted the role of the tectonic, which depicted a complex sedimentary basin, characterized by more distal versus more marginal sectors. Furthermore, the possibility to compare the sedimentary succession with the oxygen isotope curve connects the sedimentation interruptions, recorded within the Maltese Archipelago deposits, to global cooling events.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abdul Aziz A, Di Stefano A, Foresi LM, Hilgen FJ, Iaccarino SM, Kuiper KF, Lirer F, Salvatorini G, Turco E (2008) Integrated stratigraphy and 40Ar/39Ar chronology of early Middle Miocene sediments from DSDP Leg 42A, Site 372 (Western Mediterranean). Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 257:123–138
Abels HA, Hilgen FJ, Krijgsman W, Kruk RW, Raffi I, Turco E, Zachariasse WJ (2005) Long-period orbital control on middle Miocene global cooling: integrated stratigraphy and astronomical tuning of the Blue Clay Formation on Malta. Paleoceanography 20(4):PA4012. doi:10.1029/2004PA001129
Agnini C, Fornaciari E, Raffi I, Catanzariti R, Pälike H, Backman J, Rio D (2014) Biozonation and biochronology of Paleogene calcareous nannofossils from low and middle latitudes. Newsl Stratigr 47(2):131–181. doi:10.1127/0078-0421/2014/0042
Backman J, Raffi I, Rio D, Fornaciari E, Pälike H (2012) Biozonation and biochronology of Miocene through Pleistocene calcareous nannofossils from low and middle latitudes. Newsl Stratigr 45(3):221–244. doi:10.1127/0078-0421/2012/0022
Baldassini N (2012) Biostratigraphy of the Oligo–Miocene Globigerina Limestone Formation (Maltese Archipelago) based on calcareous nannofossils. Ph.D. thesis, University of Siena, Italy
Baldassini N, Di Stefano A (2015) New insights on the Oligo–Miocene succession bearing phosphatic layers of the Maltese Archipelago. Ital J Geosci 134(2):355–366. doi:10.330/IJG.2014.52
Baldassini N, Mazzei R, Foresi LM, Riforgiato F, Salvatorini G (2013) Calcareous plankton bio-chronostratigraphy of the Maltese Lower Globigerina Limestone Member. Acta Geol Pol 63(1):105–135. doi:10.2478/agp-2013-0004
Berggren WA, Kent DV, Swisher CC III, Aubry M-P (1995) A revised cenozoic geochronology and chronostratigraphy. In: Berggren WA, Kent DV, Aubry M-P, Hardendol J (eds) Geochronology, time scales and global stratigraphic correlation, vol 54. SEPM Special Publication, Tulsa, pp 129–212
Bianucci G, Gatt M, Catanzariti R, Sorbi S, Bonavia CG, Curmi R, Varola A (2011) Systematics, biostratigraphy and evolutionary patterns of the Oligo–Miocene marine mammals from the Maltese Islands. Geobios 44(6):549–585. doi:10.1016/j.geobios.2011.02.009
Biolchi S, Furlani S, Antonioli F, Baldassini N, Deguara JC, Devoto S, Di Stefano A, Evans J, Gambin T, Gauci R, Mastronuzzi G, Monaco C, Scicchitano G (2016) Boulder accumulations related to extreme wave events on the eastern coast of Malta. Nat Hazard Earth Syst Sci 16:737–756. doi:10.5194/nhess-16-737-2016
Blow WH (1969) Late Middle Eocene to Recent Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy. In: Brönnimann P, Renz HH (eds) Proceedings of the first international. Conference on planktonic microfossils, Geneva, pp 199–421
Boulila S, Galbrun B, Miller KG, Pekar SF, Browning JV, Laskar J, Wright JD (2011) On the origin of Cenozoic and Mesozoic “third-order” eustatic sequences. Earth Sci Rev 109(3):94–112. doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2011.09.003
Brandano M, Frezza V, Tomassetti L, Cuffaro M (2009a) Heterozoan carbonates in oligotrophic tropical waters: the Attard member of the lower coralline limestone formation (Upper Oligocene, Malta). Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 274:54–63. doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2008.12.018
Brandano M, Frezza V, Tomassetti L, Pedley HM, Matteucci R (2009b) Facies analysis and palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the late Oligocene Attard Member (Lower Coralline Limestone Formation), Malta. Sedimentology 56:1138–1158. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3091.2008.01023.x
Carbone S, Grasso M, Lentini F, Pedley HM (1987) The distribution and paleoenvironment of early Miocene phosphorites of southeast Sicily and their relationship with the Maltese phosphorites. Paleogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 58:35–53
Carminati E, Doglioni C (2005) Mediterranean tectonics. In: Selley RC, Cocks LMR, Plimer IR (eds) Encyclopedia of geology, vol 2. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 135–146
Catalano S, De Guidi G, Lanzafame G, Monaco C, Tortorici L (2009) Late Quaternary deformation on the island on Pantelleria: new constraints for the recent tectonic evolution of the Sicily Channel Rift (southern Italy). J Geodyn 48:75–82. doi:10.1016/j.jog.2009.06.005
Cavallaro D, Monaco C, Polonia A, Sulli A, Di Stefano A (2016) Evidence of positive tectonic inversion in the north-central sector of the Sicily Channel. Nat Hazards (under review)
Cita MB, Fantini Sestini N, Salvatorini G, Mazzei R, Kidd RB (1979) Late Neogene sediments and fossils from the Malta Escarpment and their geodynamic significance. Ann Géol Hell 1:273–283
Corti G, Cuffaro M, Doglioni C, Innocenti F, Manetti P (2006) Coexisting geodynamic processes in the Sicily Channel. In: Dilek Y, Pavlides S (eds) Postcollisional tectonics and magmatism in the Mediterranean region and Asia. Geological Society of America Bulletin, Spec. Paper 409, pp 83–96
Dart CJ, Bosence WJ, McClay KR (1993) Stratigraphy and structure of the Maltese graben system. J Geol Soc Lond 150:1153–1166
De Guidi G, Lanzafame G, Palano M, Puglisi G, Scaltrito A, Scarfi’ L (2013) Multidisciplinary study of the Tindari Fault (Sicily, Italy) separating ongoing contractional and extensional compartments along the active Africa–Eurasia convergent boundary. Tectonophysics 588:1–17. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2012.11.021
Di Stefano A (1993) Contributo alla biostratigrafia a nannofossili calcarei del Miocene dell’area Mediterranean. Analisi di sequenze mioceniche attraverso l’orogene centro-mediterraneo. Ph.D. thesis, University of Catania, Italy
Di Stefano A, Foresi LM, Lirer F, Iaccarino SM, Turco E, Amore FO, Mazzei R, Morabito S, Salvatorini G, Abdul Aziz H (2008) Calcareous plankton high resolution bio-magnetostratigraphy for the Langhian of the Mediterranean area. Riv Ital Paleontol Stratigr 114:51–76
Di Stefano A, Verducci M, Cascella A, Iaccarino SM (2011) Calcareous plankton events at the Early/Middle Miocene transition of DSDP Hole 608: comparison with Mediterranean successions for the definition of the Langhian GSSP. Stratigraphy 8(2-3):145–161
Felix R (1973) Oligo–Miocene stratigraphy of Malta and Gozo. Meded Landbouwhogesch Wagening 73:1–104
Finetti I (1984) Geophysical study of the Sicily Channel Rift Zone. Boll Geofis Teorica Ed Appl 26(101–102):3–27
Föllmi KB, Gertsch B, Renevey J-P, De Kaenel E, Stilles P (2008) Stratigraphy and sedimentology of phosphate-rich sediments in Malta and south-eastern Sicily (latest Oligocene to early Late Miocene). Sedimentology 55:1029–1051. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3091.2007.00935.x
Foresi LM, Bonomo S, Caruso A, Di Stefano E, Salvatorini G, Sprovieri R (2002) Calcareous plankton biostratigraphy (Foraminifera and nannofossils) of the uppermost Langhian—lower SerravallianRas il-Pellegrin Section (Malta). Riv Ital Paleontol Stratigr 108(2):195–210
Foresi LM, Mazzei R, Salvatorini G, Donia F (2008) Biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy of the Maltese Lower Globigerina Limestone Member (Globigerina Limestone Formation): new preliminary data based on calcareous plankton. Boll Soc Paleontol Ital 46(2–3):175–181
Foresi LM, Verducci M, Baldassini N, Lirer F, Mazzei R, Salvatorini G, Ferraro G, Da Prato S (2011) Integrated stratigraphy of St. Peter’s Pool section (Malta): new age for the Upper Globigerina Limestone Member and progress towards the Langhian GSSP. Stratigraphy 8:125–143
Foresi LM, Baldassini N, Sagnotti L, Lirer F, Di Stefano A, Caricchi C, Verducci M, Salvatorini G, Mazzei R (2014) Integrated stratigraphy of the St. Thomas section (Malta Island): a reference section for the lower Burdigalian of the Mediterranean Region. Mar Micropaleontol 111:66–89. doi:10.1016/j.marmicro.2014.06.004
Fornaciari E, Rio D (1996) Latest Oligocene to early middle Miocene quantitative calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy in the Mediterranean region. Micropaleontology 42(1):1–36
Fornaciari E, Di Stefano A, Rio D, Negri A (1996) Middle Miocene quantitative calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy in the Mediterranean region. Micropaleontology 42:37–63
Giannelli L, Salvatorini G (1972) I Foraminiferi planctonici dei sedimenti terziari dell’Arcipelago Maltese. Biostratigrafia del “Globigerina Limestone” I. Atti Soc Toscana Sci Nat Mem Ser A 79:49–74
Giannelli L, Salvatorini G (1975) I Foraminiferi planctonici dei sedimenti terziari dell’Arcipelago Maltese. Biostratigrafia di “Blue Clay”, “Greensand” and “Upper Coralline Limestone” II. Atti Soc Toscana Sci Nat Mem Ser A 82:1–24
Grasso M, Pedley HM (1985) The Pelagian Islands: a new geological interpretation from sedimentological and tectonic studies and its bearing on the evolution of the Central Mediterranean (Pelagian Block). Geol Romana 24:13–24
Grasso M, Pedley HM, Reuther CD (1985) The geology of the Pelagian Islands and their structural setting related to the Pantelleria rift (Central Mediterranean sea). Centro 1(2):1–19
Grasso M, Pedley HM, Maniscalco R (1994) The application of a late Burdigalian early Langhian highstand event in correlating complex Tertiary orogenic carbonate successions within the central Mediterranean. Geol Méditerr 21(1–2):69–83
Gruszczynski M, Marshall JD, Goldring R, Coleman ML, Malkowski L, Gazdzicka E, Semil J, Gatt P (2008) Hiatal surfaces from the Miocene Globigerina Limestone Formation of Malta: biostratigraphy, sedimentology, trace fossils and early diagenesis. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 270(2–3):239–251
Gueguen E, Doglioni C, Fernandez M (1998) On the post 25 Ma geodynamic evolution of the western Mediterranean. Tectonophysics 298:259–269. doi:10.1016/S0040-1951(98)00189-9
Hardenbol J, Thierry J, Farley MB, Jacquin T, De Graciansky P-C, Vail P (1998) Mesozoic and Cenozoic sequence chronostratigraphic framework of European basins. In: Mesozoic and Cenozoic sequence chronostratigraphic framework of European basins. In: De Graciansky P-C, et al. (eds) Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM) Special Publication 60, Chapter 1
Hilgen FJ, Abdul Aziz H, Krijgsman W, Raffi I, Turco E (2003) Integrated stratigraphy and astrochronology of the Serravallian and lower Tortonian at Monte dei Corvi (Middle-Upper Miocene, Northern Italy). Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 199:229–264
Hilgen FJ, Abels HA, Iaccarino SM, Krijgsman W, Raffi I, Sprovieri R, Turco E, Zachariasse WJ (2009) The global stratotype section and point (GSSP) of the Serravallian Stage (Middle Miocene). Episodes 32:152–166
Holbourn A, Kuhnt W, Schulz M, Flores JA, Andersen N (2007) Orbitally-paced climate evolution during the middle Miocene “Monterey” carbon-isotope excursion. Earth Planet Sci Lett 261(3):534–550. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2007.07.026
Huesing SK, Hilgen FJ, Abdul Aziz H, Krijgsman W (2007) Completing the Neogene geological time scale between 8.5 and 12.5 Ma. Earth Planet Sci Lett 253:340–358
Hüsing SK, Cascella A, Hilgen FJ, Krijgsman W, Kuiper KF, Turco E, Wilson D (2010) Astrochronology of the Mediterranean Langhian between 15.29 and 14.17 Ma. Earth Planet Sci Lett 290:254–269. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2009.12.002
Iaccarino SM, Salvatorini G (1982) A framework of planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy for Early Miocene to late Pliocene Mediterranean area. Paleontol Stratigr Evol 2:115–125
Iaccarino SM, Premoli Silva I, Biolzi M, Foresi LM, Lirer F, Turco F, Petrizzo MR (2007) Practical manual of Neogene planktonic Foraminifera. In: Biolzi M, Iaccarino SM, Turco E, Checconi A, Rettori R (eds) Neogene Planktonic Foraminifera, International School on Planktonic Foraminifera, Perugia, Italy
Iaccarino SM, Di Stefano A, Foresi LM, Turco E, Baldassini N, Cascella A, Da Prato S, Ferraro L, Gennari R, Hilgen FJ, Lirer F, Maniscalco R, Mazzei R, Riforgiato F, Russo B, Sagnotti L, Salvatorini G, Speranza F, Verducci M (2011) High-resolution integrated stratigraphy of the Mediterranean Langhian: comparison with the historical stratotype and new perspectives for the GSSP. Stratigraphy 8(2–3):199–215
Jacobs E, Weissert H, Shield G, Stille P (1996) The Monterey event in the Mediterranean: a record from shelf sediments of Malta. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 11(6):717–728
John CS, Mutti M, Adatte T (2003) Mixed carbonate-siliciclastic record on the North African margin (Malta)—coupling of weathering premesse and mid Miocene climate. Geol Soc Am Bull 115(2):217–229. doi:10.1130/0016-7606(2003)115<0217:MCSROT>2.0.CO;2
Kienel U, Rehfeld U, Bellas SM (1995) The Miocene Blue Clay formation of the Maltese Islands: sequence stratigraphic and paleoceanographic implications based on calcareous nannofossil stratigraphy. Berl Geowiss Abh 16:533–557
Kouwenhoven TJ, Hilgen FJ, van der Zwaan GJ (2003) Late Tortonian—early Messinian stepwise disruption of the Mediterranean–Atlantic connections: constraints from benthic foraminiferal and geochemical data. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 198(3–4):303–319. doi:10.1016/S0031-0182(03)00472-3
Kürschner MW, Kvacek Z, Dilcher DL (2008) The impact of Miocene atmospheric carbon dioxide fluctuations on climate and the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105(2):449–453. doi:10.1073/pnas.0708588105
Lourens L, Hilgen F, Shackleton NJ, Laskar J, Wilson D (2004) The Neogene Period. In: Gradstein F, Ogg J, Smith A (eds) A geological timescale 2004. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 409–440
Mazzei R (1986) The Miocene sequence of the Maltese Islands: biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic references based on nannofossils. Atti Soc Toscana Sci Nat Mem Ser A 9:165–197
Miller KG, Feigenson MD, Wright J, Bradford CM (1991) Miocene isotope reference section, Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 608: an evaluation of isotope and biostratigraphic resolution. Paleoceanography 6(1):33–52. doi:10.1029/90PA01941
Miller KG, Mountain GS, Browning JV, Kominz M, Sugarman PJ, ChristieBlick N, Katz ME, Wright JD (1998) Cenozoic global sea level, sequences, and the New Jersey transect: results from coastal plain and continental slope drilling. Rev Geophys 36(4):569–601. doi:10.1029/98RG01624
Mourik AA, Abels HA, Hilgen FJ, Di Stefano A, Zachariasse WJ (2011) Improved astronomical age constrains for the Middle Miocene climate transition based on high-resolution stable isotopes records from the central Mediterranean Maltese Islands. Paleoceanography 26:PA1210. doi:10.1029/2010PA001981
Okada H, Bukry D (1980) Supplementary modification and introduction of code numbers to the low latitude coccolith biostratigraphy zonation (Bukry 1973, 1975). Mar Micropaleontol 51:321–325
Pälike H, Norris RD, Herrie JO, Wilson PA, Coxall HK, Lear CH, Shackleton NJ, Tripati AK, Wade BS (2006) The heartbeat of the Oligocene climate system. Science 314:1894–1898. doi:10.1126/science.1133822
Pedley HM (1976) A paleoecological study of the Upper Coralline Limestone Terebratula–Aphelesia Bed (Miocene, Malta) based on bryozoan growth-forms and brachiopod distribution. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 20:209–234
Pedley HM (1978) A new lithostratigraphical and paleoenvironmental interpretation for the coralline limestone formations (Miocene) of the Maltese Islands. Inst Geol Sci Overseas Geol Miner Resour 54:273–291
Pedley HM (1993) Geological map of the Maltese Island: sheets 1, Malta island; sheet 2, Gozo Island. British Geological Survey. Publication of the Oil Exploration Directorate, Office of the Prime Minister, Malta
Pedley HM (2011) The Calabrian Stage, Pleistocene highstand in Malta: a new marker for unravelling the late Neogene and Quaternary history of the islands. J Geol Soc 168(4):913–926
Pedley HM, Bennett SM (1985) Phosphorites, hardgrounds and syndepositional subsidence: a paleoenvironmental model from Miocene of the Maltese Islands. Sed Geol 45:1–34
Pedley HM, Waugh B (1976) Easter field meeting to the Maltese Islands. 7–14 April 1974. Proc Geol As 87(3):343–385
Pedley HM, House MR, Waugh B (1976) The geology of Malta and Gozo. Proc Geol As 87(3):325–341
Pekar SF, De Conto RM (2006) High-resolution ice-volume estimates for the early Miocene: evidence for a dynamic ice sheet in Antarctica. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 231:101–109. doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2005.07.027
Raffi I, Mozzato C, Fornaciari E, Hilgen FJ, Rio D (2003) Late Miocene calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphy and astrobiochronology for the Mediterranean region. Micropaleontology 49(1):1–26. doi:10.2113/49.1.1
Rehfeld U, Janssen AW (1995) Development of phosphatized hardgrounds in the Miocene Globigerina Limestone of the Maltese Archipelago, including a description of Gamopleura melitensis sp. novo (Gastropoda, Euthecosomata). Facies 33:91–106
Rose EPF, Pratt SK, Bennett SM (1992) Evidence for sea-level changes in the Globigerina limestone formation (Miocene) of the Maltese Islands. Paleontol Evol 24–25:265–276
Russo A, Bossio A (1975) Prima caratterizzazione degli ostracodi per la biostratigrafia e la paleoecologia del Miocene dell’arcipelago Maltese. Boll Soc Paleontol Ital 15:215–227
Sprovieri M, Bellanca A, Neri R, Mazzola S, Bonanno A, Patti B, Sorgente R (1999) Astronomical calibration of late Miocene stratigraphic events and analysis of precessionally driven paleoceanographic changes in the Mediterranean basin. Mem Soc Geol Ital 54:7–24
Sprovieri M, Caruso A, Foresi LM, Bellanca A, Neri R, Mazzola S, Sprovieri R (2002) Astronomical calibration of the upper Langhian/lower Serravallian record of Ras Il-Pellegrin section (Malta Island, central Mediterranean). Riv Ital Paleontol Stratigr 108(2):183–193
Steckler MS, Mountain GS, Miller KG, Christie-Blick N (1999) Reconstruction of Tertiary progradation and clinoform development on the New Jersey passive margin by 2-D backstripping. Mar Geol 154(1):399–420. doi:10.1016/S0025-3227(98)00126-1
Steininger FF, Iaccarino SM (1996) Synthesis on the GSSP Lemme-Carosio section. Giornale di geologia 58(1-2):141–147
Steininger FF, Aubry M-P, Berggren WA, Biolzi M, Borsetti AM, Cartlidge JE, Cati F, Corfield R, Gelati R, Iaccarino S, Napoleone C, Ottner F, Rögl F, Roetzel R, Spezzaferri S, Tateo F, Villa G, Zevenboom D (1997) The global stratotype section and point (GSSP) for the base of the Neogene
Turco E, Cascella A, Gennari R, Hilgen FJ, Iaccarino SM, Sagnotti L (2011) Integrated stratigraphy of the La Vedova section (Conero Riviera, Italy) and implications for the Burdigalian/Langhian boundary. Stratigraphy 8(2):89–110
Vincent E, Berger WH (1985) Carbon dioxide and polar cooling in the Miocene: the Monterey hypothesis. Geophys Monogr Ser 32:455–468. doi:10.1029/GM032p0455
Wade BS, Pearson PN, Berggren WA, Pälike H (2011) Review and revision of Cenozoic tropical planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and calibration to the geomagnetic polarity and astronomical time scale. Earth Sci Rev 104:111–142. doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2010.09.003
Westerhold T, Bickert T, Röhl U (2005) Middle to late Miocene oxygen isotope stratigraphy of ODP site 1085 (SE Atlantic): new constraints on Miocene climate variability and sea-level fluctuations. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol 217:205–222
Westerhold T, Röhl U, Donner B, McCarren HK, Zachos JC (2011) A complete high-resolution Paleocene benthic stable isotope record for the central Pacific (ODP Site 1209). Paleoceanography 26:PA2216. doi:10.1029/2010PA002092
Woodruff F, Savin SM (1989) Miocene deepwater oceanography. Paleoceanography 4:87–140. doi:10.1029/PA004i001p00087
Woodruff F, Savin SM (1991) Mid-Miocene isotope stratigraphy in the deep-sea: high resolution correlations, paleoclimatic cycles, and sediment preservation. Paleoceanography 6:755–806
Zachos J, Pagani M, Sloan L, Thomas E, Billups K (2001) Trends, rhythms, and aberrations in global climate 65 Ma to present. Science 292(5517):686–693. doi:10.1126/science.1059412
Zachos JC, Dickens GR, Zeebe RE (2008) An early Cenozoic perspective on greenhouse warming and carbon-cycle dynamics. Science 451:279–283. doi:10.1038/nature06588
Acknowledgments
This work has been financially supported and carried out within the P.O. Italia-Malta 2007–2013 SIMIT Project “Constitution of an integrated Italy–Malta system of civil protection”, Scientific Responsible of Project Partner 3 (University of Catania): Agata Di Stefano, and within the “PRIN2012” project “The Burdigalian GSSP (Global Stratigraphic Section and Point): the missing tile to complete the Neogene interval of the Geological Time scale”, financed by the Italian MIUR and coordinated by Agata Di Stefano. The authors warmly thank two anonymous reviewers for their constructive suggestions and are indebted with Giovanni Barreca for his help in realizing the digitalization of the map shown in Fig. 1.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Baldassini, N., Di Stefano, A. Stratigraphic features of the Maltese Archipelago: a synthesis. Nat Hazards 86 (Suppl 2), 203–231 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2334-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2334-9