Evidenze di processi deformativi continui e tettonica trascorrente nel Cnale di Sicilia: le Isole Maltesi.

In this paper we report the results of a study concerning the macro and meso-structures affecting the oligo-miocene succession and a few quaternary deposits outcropping in the maltese islands. Data analysis allowed us to define in detail the geo-structural setting of the study area and to put in evidence the mode of deformation responsible for its generation. The main conclusions that can be drawn indicate that the area in question has been affected by a progressive deformative process during which it is possible to isolate a series of tectonic events that are characterized by different geometries of the stress field. The above information together with available data relative to the surrounding regions (Tunisia, Pelagian block and Pantelleria) also made it possible to discuss in detail the temporal relations among the deformative events with the aim of obtaining a better understanding of the neotectonic evolution of the whole sector located between the undeformed african continental margin and the Sicilian maghrebide chain.