The holocene marine depositional event in the historical centre of palermo

Recent data have pointed out that, above the classical depositional sequence of the Quaternary marine sediments of the Palermo Coastal plain, post-Tyrrhenian sediments occur. In order to determine the age of these sediments and to confirm the deposition of a recent sedimentary cycle, microfossil assemblage of several samples, coming from geognostic drillings, have been analysed. Using the calcareous nannofossil ecobiozone scheme recently proposed for the last deglaciation of the central Mediterranean (Sicily Channel), examined sediments can be ascribed to the Holocene. Radiocarbon analysis confirmed such an attribution providing a more accurate stratigraphic determination.