Outline of the Geology of Italy

Abstract

The Italian peninsula is an extremely active region from the geodynamic point of view as witnessed by the presence of active volcanoes (Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, Stromboli, Vulcano, Etna) and by frequent earthquakes. Italian geology, however, is dominated by two different mountain chains, the Alps to the north and the Apennines to the south, along the peninsula. Geologically speaking, the Italian territory can be subdivided into seven specific sectors, i.e. The Alpine chain proper, the Po Plain, the Apennines, the Apulia foreland, the Calabrian-Peloritan arc, Sicily and Sardinia.