Prima segnalazione di Tirreniano ed evoluzione pleistocenica del Capo Peloro (Sicilia nord-orientale)

First finding of Tyrrhenian deposits and Pleistocenic evolution of Cape Peloro (North-East Sicily)

Abstract

After some faint mentions for the environs of Messina, the existence of Tyrrhenian marine sediments in North-Eastern Sicily is ascertained by the first finding of Strombus bubonius LMK, on the hills of Southern sides of Cape Peloro. Upon sands and gravels of Messina Formation, cut by an abrasion surface at 62 ms a.s.l., there are gravels with Ostrea edulis L. standing below sands with Strombus bubonius which are heteropic of lagoon deposits with Cerastoderma glaucum L. and Ostrea edulis L. In the upper part they contain deep benthonic Foraminifera and Fish remains which suggest the existence of partial opening to marine environment. Tyrrhenian sequence ends with a paleosoil, understanding marshy silts and red, continental sands and gravels. The uppermost part of continental sequence coincides with a terrace surface 100-110 m high above present sea level. Three following distensive faults have displaced Cape Peloro area, giving also rise to its present form. The present height above sea level of Tyrrhenian deposits is 85 m and, before the recognized tectonic phase, it must have been about 105 m, while terrace surface must have been 120-130 m high a.s.l. The present coastal plain which includes Faro and Ganzirri lagoons, has formed during Holocene time.