Eight sites identified for important geological features

The Malta Council for Science and Technology has identified eight sites that merit study because of their geological features.

Geologist Peter Gatt said at a press conference said all the sites have unique characteristics which shed light about Malta's physical structure.

The sites are Dwejra in Gozo, Dahlet Qorrot, Gozo, Cirkewwa, Qammieh, Fomm Ir-Riħ Bay, Migra l-Ferħa, Għar Lapsi up to Ras il-Ħamrija and Xgħajra coast.

The Dwejra/Qawra/San Dimitri area in the west coast of Gozo has been shaped by catastrophic collapse features that include 400-metre wide circular solution subsidence structures, possibly as a result of the dissolution of an underling layer of gypsum/anhdrite, which is soluble in water.

Dahlet Qorrot is important for closely stacked phosphorite beds within the Globerina limestone. It features stratigraphical and structural features which give insights to the development of the Maltese islands during the early Miocene period (20 to 13 million years ago).

Cirkewwa consists of a seawave cut platform in the Upper Coralline limestone above which ancient beach dunes are preserved. These dunes have hardened into rock that include shells and burrows of organisms that used to ive in the dune several thousands of years ago. The dunes are important as an indicator of pasty sea-level and past beach ecosystems.

Qammieh shows interesting sedimentological and stratigraphical features including phosphorite beds.

Fomm  ir-Rih Bay was formed by the Great Fault that cuts through the North of Malta from Madliena. The block that is on the northern side of the fault has subsided by several tens of metres. In the process, the Upper Coralline Limestone had laterally compacted to form a chevron fold..

The Migra l-Ferħa area is a fine example for the study of sequence stratigraphic surfaces. At the base of the cliff is a hitherto unrecorded bed of rock that sheds light on cyclicity in the sedimentation of limestone.

The area at Ghar Lapsi inlcudes major tectonic features, palaeontological remains and well preserved Quaternary stratigraphy..

The Xghajra coast includes a dense population of faults and beds with fossils of exceptionally large foraminifera dating back 25 million years.

Mr Gatt said the council intended to promote awareness of these sites locally and abroad for their better study and appreciation.