Maccalube of Aragon (ITA040008)
Site type: SAC - Special Conservation Area
Code: ITA040006 - Hectares: 436
Description:
Other Site Characteristics
The SIC area falls within the municipalities of Joppolo Giancaxio and Aragona.The landscape is characterized by sedimentary volcanic phenomena, the so-called vulcanelli di
cold mud, of considerable geomorphological interest. The site includes gentle slopes, consisting of clayey deposits, crossed by torrential incisions fed by
rains. Under the stratigraphic aspect, the area is characterized by a Miocene marly and clayey complex and by the Terravecchia Formation of the Miocene
Superiore, consisting of conglomerates, sands, sandstones, etc. The sedimentary volcanism for which the area is known is expressed through volcanoes of various sizes
which emit water, mud and gas. Widespread are also pools of water with gas emissions and temporary pools. On the surface, the soil is often whitish due to the
presence of salts and gypsum. Lower subhumid Mesomediterranean bioclimate with average annual rainfall 670 mm; for Racalmuto station is
reported an average annual temperature of 17 ° C. From the vegetational aspect, the area is characterized by consortia of badlands (grasslands, fruit groves of PeganoSalsoletea and briovegetation), by hygrophilous and hydrophilic communities of streams, springs and temporary pools (both herbaceous than shrubby) and from
nitrophilous-ruderal cenosis.
4.2Quality and importance
Periodically the area is affected by "explosive eruptions" with the release of clayey material mixed with gas and water. The geological peculiarities, in addition to the
climatic characteristics and the high salinity of the substrate, determine the presence of particular phytocoenoses in which taxa of phytogeographic interest participate,
as well as a high fauna diversity. About 250 taxa have been registered for the vascular flora, several of which are of phytogeographic interest.
Source: Ministry of the Environment Natura 2000 form
Ministerial data: Ministerial Map Natura 2000 form
Card insertion: Ignazio Caloggero
Photo: web
Information contributions: Ignazio Caloggero, Region of Sicily
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