Introduction
The Maltese Islands (notably Malta, Gozo, and Comino) are a group of central Mediterranean islands located about 96 km from Sicily and 290 km from North Africa. They are dominated by limestone formations, and much of their coastline consists of steep or vertical limestone cliffs, indented by bays, inlets, and cliffy coves (Figs. 8.17.1 and 8.17.2 ). The climate is Mediterranean, with hot dry summers and cool rainy winters: Valletta has mean monthly temperatures of 12.8°C in January and 25.6°C in July, with an average annual rainfall of 578 mm. Westerly winds are prevalent, but waves can be generated from all directions. The tide range is small, attaining a maximum of about 40 cm.
A map of the Island of Malta displaying the main coastal geomorphological features.
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References
Guilcher A, Paskoff R (1975) Remarques sur la géomorphologie littorale de l’archipel maltais. Bull Assoc Géog Français 427:225–231
Hyde HPT (1955) The geology of the Maltese Islands. Lux Press, Malta
Pedley HM, House MR, Waugh B (1976) The geology of Malta and Gozo. Proc Geol Assoc 87:325–341
Pedley M, Huges M, Clarke PG (2002) Limestone Isles in a Crsytal Sea: The geology of the Maltese Islands. Publishers Enterprises Group, Malta
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Said, G., Schembri, J. (2010). Malta. In: Bird, E.C.F. (eds) Encyclopedia of the World's Coastal Landforms. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8639-7_122
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