A few hours after the conclusion of the oceanographic campaign «Sirene», conducted on the oceanographic vessel of the National Research Council «Gaia Blu», some first, important results are already available. Using cutting-edge geophysical technologies available on the ship, a field of underwater reliefs aligned along deep cracks in the seabed of the southern Ionian Sea has been identified, where a system of faults is progressively distancing Calabria from Sicily, slowly causing the earth’s crust to sink off the Strait.
These are diapirs, sediments that rise from deep areas, visible only with ultrasound of the subsoil, and mud volcanoes that form when deep material rises towards the surface together with fluids and gases, sometimes generating real fluid and viscous eruptions. The researchers’ goal will now be to study the nature and origin of the material that rises along these large lithospheric faults, and understand how they influence the generation of earthquakes in one of the most seismically active areas in Europe.
“The sonar images recorded on board Gaia Blu have highlighted in great detail the morphologies of these reliefs, which show indications of recent eruptive and tectonic activity. Some volcanoes have a perfectly conical shape, others have sub-circular shapes but very corrugated and elongated in the direction of the faults, and are often associated with submarine landslides”, explains the coordinator of the campaign Alina Polonia, researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences of the CNR.
#Faults #separate #Calabria #Sicily #Tempo
2024-09-10 03:53:16
Table of Contents
The Ionian Sea: Unveiling the Secrets of the Mediterranean’s Most Fascinating Region
The Ionian Sea, located in the Mediterranean, has long been shrouded in mystery. Recent oceanographic campaigns, such as the “Sirene” expedition on the research vessel “Gaia Blu”, have shed new light on this enigmatic region. The Ionian Sea is characterized by its unique geological features, including thin crust, thick sedimentary cover, and low heat flow, making it a fascinating subject of study for scientists [[1]].
Geological Wonders of the Ionian Sea
The latest research has revealed a field of underwater reliefs aligned along deep cracks in the seabed of the southern Ionian Sea. These reliefs are situated along a system of faults that is slowly distancing Calabria from Sicily, causing the earth’s crust to sink off the Strait. The researchers have identified diapirs, sediments that rise from deep areas, and mud volcanoes that form when deep material rises towards the surface together with fluids and gases. These geological wonders are visible only with ultrasound of the subsoil and sometimes generate real fluid and viscous eruptions [[3]].
Understanding the Nature and Origin of the Material
The researchers’ goal is to study the nature and origin of the material that rises along these large lithospheric faults, and understand how they influence the generation of earthquakes in one of the most seismically active areas in Europe. The sonar images recorded on board Gaia Blu have highlighted in great detail the morphologies of these reliefs, which show indications of recent eruptive and tectonic activity. Some volcanoes have a perfectly conical shape, while others have sub-circular shapes, indicating a complex geological history [[3]].
A Window into the Past
The Ionian Sea has been an important region for geological studies, with some researchers suggesting that it may be the oldest in situ ocean fragment of the world, dating back to the Mesozoic era [[1]]. The Ionian Stage, which spans from 781,000 to 126,000 years ago, is a significant period in the region’s geological history, with rocks deposited during this time providing valuable insights into the Earth’s past [[2]].
Conclusion
The Ionian Sea is a fascinating region that continues to intrigue scientists and researchers. The latest discoveries have shed new light on the geological wonders of this region, including underwater reliefs, diapirs, and mud volcanoes. Further research is needed to understand the nature and origin of the material that rises along these large lithospheric faults and how they influence the generation of earthquakes in this seismically active area. The Ionian Sea is a window into the past, providing valuable insights into the Earth’s geological history, and continues to be an important region for scientific study and exploration.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Ionian Sea: Mud Volcanoes and Diapirs
The Ionian Sea, located between Calabria and Sicily, is a region of great geological interest. A recent oceanographic campaign, “Sirene,” conducted on the research vessel “Gaia Blu,” has shed new light on the seabed of this area. The campaign’s findings have revealed a field of underwater reliefs aligned along deep cracks in the seabed, which are slowly causing the earth’s crust to sink off the Strait of Messina.
The Bortoluzzi Mud Volcano: A Geological Wonder
One of the most fascinating features of this region is the Bortoluzzi Mud Volcano (BMV), a circular feature approximately 22 meters high and 1100 meters in diameter, with steep slopes reaching up to 22° [[1]][[2]]. The BMV sits atop the Calabrian accretionary wedge, a geological structure formed by the collision of tectonic plates. This mud volcano is a prime example of a diapir, a type of geological structure formed when sediments rise from deep areas, often accompanied by fluids and gases.
Diapirs and Mud Volcanoes: Understanding the Earth’s Crust
Diapirs and mud volcanoes are key to understanding the dynamics of the earth’s crust. These formations are visible only with ultrasound of the subsoil, and their study can provide valuable insights into the generation of earthquakes in seismically active areas like the Ionian Sea [[3]]. The researchers involved in the “Sirene” campaign aim to investigate the nature and origin of the material rising along these large lithospheric faults, which will help us better comprehend the complex geological processes at play.
The Ionian Sea: A Hotbed of Geological Activity
The Ionian Sea is an area of high seismicity, with numerous natural hazard issues due to the presence of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world [[3]]. The region’s geological complexity is further underscored by the presence of mud volcanoes and diapirs, which are indicative of recent eruptive and tectonic activity. The sonar images recorded during the “Sirene” campaign have highlighted the detailed morphologies of these reliefs, showcasing the dynamic nature of the earth’s crust in this region.
Conclusion
The “Sirene” campaign has unveiled a fascinating aspect of the Ionian Sea’s geology, shedding light on the complex processes that shape our planet. The study of mud volcanoes and diapirs in this region will continue to provide valuable insights into the earth’s crust and its dynamics, ultimately helping us better understand the natural hazards that affect this seismically active area.
