What is coralline limestone

The total layered rock sequence, characterised by five strata can be viewed from Dingli Cliffs, distinguishing the plunging vertical rock faces of the Coralline Limestones from the gentle topographies of the Globigerina Limestone and Blue Clay.

Lower Coralline Limestone Zonqor — the oldest exposed rock at the Maltese Islands million years forms the base of the Dingli cliff section. Being the most crystalline, the Lower Coralline Limestone is resistant to erosion. The large number of fossils, including snail casts of the Conus species and coral Meandrina species indicate that this layer was formed in shallow marine settings.

Globigerina Limestone Franka — the yellow to pale grey limestones of the Globigerina overly the Lower Coralline Limestone forming gentle slopes such as the lower cliffs at Dingli. Blue Clay Tafli — the talus slopes of the Blue Clay lithology make up some of the farmed agricultural holdings at the cliffs. The blue clay consists of fine lime grains and kaolinite, a clay mineral, which make the layer compact when dry and plastic upon wetting by rain water. The impermeability restricts water flow through of the Blue Clay is crucial for the development of the preced aquifers and it acts as a storage of freshwater.

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