Submarine Slope Failures Along the Northern Sicilian Continental Margin (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) and Possible Implications for Geo-Hazard

Abstract

In this study we present an overview of the mass wasting features (e.g.: submarine canyons, landslides, debris flows) and downslope movements that have contributed to shape the northern Sicily continental margin (southern Tyrrhenian Sea) since the Late Quaternary. The study is based on Multibeam data and high-resolution seismic reflection profiles, which allowed to define the morphology and the stratigraphy of the mass transport deposits and related failures of the area. We distinguished slope failures related to different mechanisms. In the Palermo Gulf and in the eastern sector of the northern Sicily margin tectonic activity, fluid escaping and oversteepening triggered downslope turbiditic currents and concurrent up-slope retrogressive mass failures. In the Ustica offshore gravitational collapse of volcanic edifices is mainly linked to neotectonic activity and volcanism. These data allow us to understand geological features and processes which may represent a threat for coastal areas of the northern Sicily margin.