🏞️ Notable Geological & Paleontological Sites of the Amalfi Coast

Here’s a curated list of notable geological and paleontological sites along and near the Amalfi Coast, including natural formations, fossil-bearing outcrops, and scientific points of interest. These locations provide insight into the area’s tectonic history, sedimentology, and paleontology:

1. Monti Lattari (Lattari Mountains)

  • Geological Interest: Backbone of the Amalfi Coast, made of Mesozoic carbonate rocks (mainly limestones and dolomites).

  • Fossils: Karst features and occasional marine invertebrates (e.g., foraminifera, bivalves).

  • Highlights: Stratified limestone cliffs and tectonic faulting patterns.

 

2. Valle delle Ferriere (Ferriere Valley)

  • Location: Inland from Amalfi town.

  • Geological Features: Deep gorge carved by erosion along faults.

  • Paleontological Significance: Fossil-rich limestone strata visible in cliff exposures.

  • Ecological Bonus: A protected nature reserve with waterfalls and endemic flora.

 

3. Fjord of Furore (Fiordo di Furore)

  • Geological Significance: A fluvial incision into carbonate rocks, forming a narrow ravine.

  • Features: Exposes stratified limestones with sedimentary structures and fossiliferous beds.

 

4. Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)

  • Trail: Scenic hiking route from Bomerano to Nocelle.

  • Geological Interest: Outcrops of Jurassic and Cretaceous limestones, showcasing tectonic uplift and marine bedding.

  • Fossils: Small marine fossils (e.g., microforaminifera and gastropods) in some limestone bands.

 

5. Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto)

  • Location: Near Conca dei Marini.

  • Formation: Sea cave formed in karstified limestone.

  • Scientific Interest: Demonstrates ongoing chemical weathering and marine erosion processes.

 

6. Pogerola (Above Amalfi)

  • Outcrop Zone: Well-exposed carbonate sequences.

  • Fossils: Larger benthic foraminifera (Orbitolina, Siderolites) in platform limestones.

 

7. Punta Campanella

  • Location: Tip of the Sorrento Peninsula.

  • Geological Setting: Boundary between carbonate platform and basinal facies.

  • Features: Tectonic juxtaposition of contrasting rock types and microfossils in pelagic sediments.

 

8. Vietri sul Mare

  • Geo-Significance: At the eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast.

  • Formations: Includes Neogene clastic and volcanic-rich sediments.

  • Fossils: Reworked marine microfossils; also known for unique colorful ceramics derived from local clays.

 

9. Scala and Ravello Cliffs

  • Exposure: Fossiliferous limestone faces with tectonic faults and stylolites.

  • Historic Use: Stones used in medieval construction often contain visible fossil fragments.

 

10. Academic/Research Access Sites

  • Several field studies by Italian universities (e.g., University of Naples Federico II) utilize road cuts, construction sites, and natural cliffs near:

    • Maiori/Minori – for flysch and marl sequences

    • Agerola – for platform-margin stratigraphy

    • Positano region – for tectonic contact studies