“Quaternary seafloor geology: investigating environmental forcing factors and Earth ‘sphere interaction in the Mediterranean Sea”

Call for Papers – Special Issue: “Quaternary seafloor geology: investigating environmental forcing factors and Earth ‘sphere interaction in the Mediterranean Sea”

Journal: Quaternary International
Publisher: Elsevier
Submission deadline: 31 August 2026

Overview

This special issue—published by Elsevier—investigates the evolution of submarine landscapes across the Mediterranean, ranging from shallow coastal zones to the deep abyssal plain. Submarine morphology acts as a primary archive of Quaternary Earth system dynamics, capturing the complex interplay of geological, biological, oceanographic, and anthropogenic processes. By analyzing these records, the issue aims to improve our understanding of offshore geohazards, natural resource distribution, and the long-term impact of Earth's forcing factors on marine ecosystems.

Key Research Themes

• Landscape Evolution: Drivers of submarine landform change, including sediment transport, landslides, tectonics, and volcanism.

• Earth-Sphere Interactions: Investigations into bottom currents, fluid flow dynamics (e.g., pockmarks, mud volcanoes), and their roles in shaping the seafloor.

• Geohazards & Resources: Assessing offshore risks and potential resources through integrated marine geological data.

• Methodological Innovation: Applications of multibeam bathymetry, seismic reflection profiling, and other advanced geophysical techniques to reconstruct Quaternary dynamics.

• Environmental Forcing: Evaluating how past Earth system changes inform our understanding of future environmental evolution in the Mediterranean basin.

Submission Details

• Submission deadline: 31 August 2026.

• Submission Process: Interested authors should first send their abstract and manuscript title directly to the lead Guest Editor, Daniele Spatola (daniele.spatola@uniroma1.it), for initial review of suitability.

• Submission Standards: All manuscripts must be original, high-quality research that aligns with the scope of Quaternary International. Please refer to the journal’s Guide for Authors for preparation requirements.

Guest Editor Team

• Daniele Spatola, Sapienza University, Rome (daniele.spatola@uniroma1.it)

• Rossella Di Mento, ISPRA, Rome (rossella.dimento@isprambiente.it)

• Elena Scacchia, ISPRA, Rome (elena.scacchia@isprambiente.it)

• Fabiano Gamberi, CNR-ISMAR, Bologna (fabiano.gamberi@bo.ismar.cnr.it)

Why This Issue Matters

The Mediterranean seafloor is a high-resolution laboratory for studying the impact of Quaternary climatic and geological cycles on Earth's marine systems. By synthesizing multi-disciplinary evidence—from tectonic studies to oceanographic fluid flow—this special issue provides the baseline data necessary for both fundamental scientific inquiry into Earth systems and the practical application of marine geohazard management.

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