The Milazzo Canyon and its mid-slope depositional wedge on the Northern Sicilian continental margin (Tyrrhenian Sea)

The Tyrrhenian margin is incised by numerous canyons and valleys that transport materials from shallow water down to the bathyal plain. The presence of near flat sedimentary basins, that interrupt the continuity of the continental slope, affects the transfer of sediments to the deeps. The Milazzo - Stromboli Canyon system is a good example of transport occurring in two steps divided by a depositional area. In fact, the less known Canyon of Milazzo, studied here in detail, brings materials down to the break in slope corresponding to the edge of the Gioia Basin and develops a depositional wedge (or deep sea fan) with braided channels, high levees and tabular deposits. Then, at the depth of 1100 m, a second canyon originates (Stromboli Canyon), which is fed by sediment accumulation and by dense turbidity currents from the upper canyon. The Milazzo and Stromboli system is controlled by the tectonic setting of the area, as evidenced in the reflection seismic profiles and its activity is triggered by the high sedimentary input from the Sicilian and Calabrian coasts as well as from the Aeolian Arc, and by the severe seismicity of the area. Detailed bathymetric surveys (multibeam), numerous seismic profiles and bottom samples strengthens this reconstruction.