[6] The submarine cliff comprises a sequence of carbonate and volcanic rock outcrops marking the eastern end of the Malta/Hyblean Plateau,[1][6] which is part of the continental shelf, known as the Pelagian Platform.

[1][6][7] Diverging viewpoints exist regarding the stability of the eastern flank of the Mount Etna volcano, which extends underwater at the edge of the escarpment.

[15] Disaster prevention and mitigation measures, such as education and early warning systems, can assist in the protection of coastal communities.

[16] The undersea cliff is incised by more than 500 canyons, while landslide occurrence has been inferred from sediment samples collected from the base of the escarpment.

The flood resulted in a 1.5 km high waterfall eroding significantly the Noto Canyon, leaving extensive sediments over a large area and up to 900 m deep.

Researchers used these geological features and salt deposits, to demonstrate that: During the MSC, an acquifer holding approximately 17.5 cubic kilometers of water formed thousands of feet below the Hyblaean Mountains.