Submarine Geomorphology and Sedimentary Features around the Egadi Islands (Western Mediterranean Sea)

In this paper, the physiography, geomorphological features, and sedimentary bedforms of offshore Egadi Islands (Italy) have been illustrated mapped through an integrated analysis high-resolution bathymetric, seismo-acoustic, sedimentological data. The study area is characterized by a wide, up to 25 km, continental shelf which separated NNW-trending linear incision, Marettimo Channel, along several erosional depositional features detected mapped. Sedimentary prograding wedges were at water depths between 100–125 m margin, accumulated during sea-level fall lowstand stages last glacio-eustatic cycle (post- MIS 5.5). This slope breaks defining scarps across shelf, interpreted as coastal cliffs that originated post-LGM eustatic rise. Several fields different types bedforms, including 2-D 3-D hydraulic dunes sorted found providing evidence high hydrodynamic regime affecting seafloor. Further on, recognized erosive related bottom currents (contourites) in Channel. These findings provide better understanding morpho-sedimentary evolution latest Quaternary. Moreover, they offer essential scientific support for effectively managing most valuable priority habitats conservation, such Posidonia oceanica meadow coralline algae bioconstructions (Coralligenous habitat).