• Italian
  • English

Geomorphology

Capo Figari with its Island of Figarolo, an almost perfect cone shape, are two magnificent examples of Sardinian geology that have left their mark on this territory. Both originate from a granite base from the Paleozoic and Trissic period (250 to 203 million years ago) which was covered by a dolomotic limestone which is similar in structure to both the island of Mount Alba and the island of Tavolara. These geographical forms and lithological characteristics have not only had an impact on the economy of the area but also on areas of human settlement due to their impact on the landscape. The area is divided into two main parts: the first part is made up of rocks and granite from the Paleozoic Age with metamorphisims from the First Triassic Period, characterised by igneous rocks formed from the cooling of the magma and lava from eruptions. Here we can find metamorphic changes due to modification of the lytic layer following recasting, consolidation and the new formation of rocks, which have undergone intense pressure and high temperatures. The second part is made up of carbonate sedimentary rocks from the Mesozoic Age and probably originates from a small shallow sea. In particular, the two macroscopic aspects of this territory are determined by the contrast of the morphologies of these two layers. The rocks from the underlying layer form outcrops with soft, rounded forms and erosion from atmospheric agents and water result in granite scee and splendid sands; in contrast, the limestone can be seen in sheer cliffs and a multitude of small fjords and caves.