The geological origins and paleoceanographic history of the Mediterranean Region: Tethys to present

Abstract

In this chapter we briefly discussed the main steps of the evolution of the Mediterranean sea, from the Tethys to its closure, until the present days. It is worth highlighting the importance of the physical processes controlling the final shape and bathymetry of the basin, namely the subduction/collision of Africa and Eurasia and associated microplates, and the erosion and sediment dispersal. Both carbonate platforms and organic rich layers (ORL or sapropels) represent the sink of inorganic and organic Carbon, respectively. Therefore, their occurrence and evolution is critical for the carbon cycle, with feedbacks on the global biogeochemical cycle. This chapter highlights how the most interesting geological objects are the result of the interaction between the biological and physical processes.