This field-trip will enable you to gain a detailed insight into the tectonic features and stratigraphy which evolved as a result of Africa-European Plate convergence. The Centuripe Basin is the first stop, a thrust top basin characterised by shallowing upwards Tortonian to Pliocene stratagrapic sequences. Here, we will have an opportunity to view brecciated clays, as well as pinch-out Messinian carbonates, ‘Calcare di Base’. Next, we will stop at Monte Judica, an opportunity to view the Triassic and Jurassic transitional basinal to oceanic strata, grading from limestones into radiolarites, as well as the opportunity to view structural fold and joints.

This field-trip will involve detailed structural analysis along the Scicli-Ragusa strike-slip fault zone, formed by kinematics in the Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene. Scicli will be the first stop, providing the opportunity to observe compactive shear bands of porous carbonates, tight carbonates and the main fault planes of the fault zone. Next, Modica, with the opportunity to view the architecture of high-angle strike-slip and normal faults and multi-scale dimensional fault properties. Lastly, we will stop at Ragusa, to observe evidence of a carbonate reservoir with fault and fracture controlled hydrocarbon migration and storage within the Ragusa oil field.