A sedimentary complex at the toe of a paleocliff: geomorphologic and geomechanic implication (Calabria - Southern Italy)"

Accettato.ABSTRACT:The geological section studied lies along the Thyrrhenian coast of southern Calabria. In particular we analysed the oriental slope of Vibo-Pizzo ridge. The relief is made up of kinzingites which are stratigraphically connected to the west with the granitic batholith of M.te Poro. From Upper Miocene time (Tortonian) the crystalline–metamorphic system was covered by transgressive sediments. The morphology of the coast, which was progressively submerged, was characterized by high fault cliffs with large fractures and underground cavities due first to subaereal and then to submarine erosion. In this seismic area, the erosion of cliffs was carried out not only by wave action but also by debris avalanches and landslide.Today these sediments outcrop in a spectacular way along about 2 Km artificial scarps, 20 to 30 metres high, excavated for roadworks.More than 70% of the lithology is constituted of banding gneisses, highly twisted and deformed but rather homoge...