Oligo-Miocene sea-level variations of a karstic coastal system in the Venetian Prealps (Torricelle di Verona, NE Italy): new data

Abstract

One of the most important European palaeokarstic complexes lies on the southern edge of the Lessini Veronesi Mountains and in particular in the locality of Torricelle di Verona (Veneto region, NE Italy). This 20 kilometre-long network of ancient karstic caves has only recently been made accessible thanks to the exploitation and use of the sediments sealing it, known as coloring earths (yellow and red). It is an intricate system of dendritic natural tunnels that were hydrologically active in the late Miocene and located near the coastline or in direct communication with the sea. Currently few cavities are accessible. The analysis and comparison of the topographic and geomorphic data of the palaeokarstic cavities of the Torricelle allowed the reconstruction of the coastline of the ancient sea of Tethys just before its disappearance.