Geology of the Amalfi Coast

🪨 Geological Summary of the Amalfi Coast

1. Tectonic Origins

  • The Amalfi Coast is part of the Southern Apennines fold-and-thrust belt, a tectonically complex region formed by the collision between the African and Eurasian plates during the Cenozoic era (after ~65 Ma).
  • The geology reflects a transition from passive Mesozoic carbonate platforms to a convergent margin with active deformation, extensive uplift and faulting during the Neogene and Quaternary periods (roughly the last 23 million years) and sedimentation.

 

2. Rock Types

  • The dominant rock is limestone from the Mesozoic era (about 200 to 65 million years ago), deposited in a shallow marine environment.

  • These limestones are often karstified, featuring caves, sinkholes, and underground streams.

  • Other rocks include dolomites, marls, and volcanic ash layers from nearby volcanic activity (e.g., Mount Vesuvius).

 

3. Geomorphology

  • The rugged topography was shaped by:

    • Tectonic uplift, which raised ancient seabeds.

    • Erosion, particularly from rivers and weathering.

    • Mass wasting processes, such as landslides and rockfalls, which are common due to steep slopes and loose soils.

  • The result is a deeply incised coastline with narrow valleys and high cliffs plunging into the Tyrrhenian Sea.

 

4. Coastal Features

 

  • The coast includes marine terraces, formed during periods of fluctuating sea levels in the Pleistocene.

  • Sea caves and arches are visible along the cliffs, carved by wave action and weathering of softer rock layers.


 

5. Natural Hazards

  • Landslides and rockfalls are frequent, particularly after heavy rains.

  • The region is also affected by seismic activity, being near active fault zones.

  • Volcanic ash deposits from past eruptions of Vesuvius also influence soil composition.

 

6. Fossil record

The fossil record of the Amalfi Coast provides valuable insight into the region’s geological evolution, particularly its Mesozoic marine environment. Although the Amalfi Coast is more famous for its scenery than paleontology, the surrounding rock formations—primarily limestones and dolomites—contain marine fossils that help geologists date and interpret the area's stratigraphy.

 

 

7. Notable Geological Sites

 

  • Valle delle Ferriere: A deep, lush valley with waterfalls and rare plant species, formed by erosion along fault lines.

  • Fjord of Furore: A small fjord-like inlet carved by a torrent, illustrating fluvial erosion in action.