Geology

Sardinia, due to its central position in the western Mediterranean, reflects a highly complex geological history, showcasing evidence of major geodynamic events over the last 400 million years. The island features sedimentary, volcanic, intrusive, and metamorphic rocks, which, with minimal interruptions, represent the entire Phanerozoic Eon and parts of the Proterozoic Eon.

Timescale.pdf

Igneous Rocks

These rocks form through the solidification of magma. Intrusive rocks (e.g., granite) typically have well-developed crystals due to their slow cooling process. Extrusive rocks (e.g., lava) form from rapid cooling, preventing the development of crystals.

Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are composed of sediments of either inorganic origin (fragments of pre-existing rocks) or organic origin (e.g., shells). Sedimentation predominantly occurs on seabeds, resulting in characteristically stratified rocks.

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks arise from changes over time in environmental factors (pressure, temperature, fluid composition) affecting a pre-existing rock (referred to as the protolith), altering its original state.