Critical chronological overview of the description of Quaternary deposits in the geological maps of Albania, scale 1:200,000.

Abstract

This paper aims to present a diachronic analysis of the stratigraphic and geological nomenclature used to characterise Albanian Quaternary formations over the last century. This objective is achieved through a comparative review of the geological maps of Albania (1:200,000 scale) produced by the Albanian Geological Survey. Due to the deep political, economic, and scientific isolation of Albania during the Cold War—which applied to both sides of the Iron Curtain—some of these records have remained largely inaccessible to the international scientific community. The research identifies and highlights the inhibiting impact resulting from the prolonged use of fixist concepts. Based on the interpretation of subsurface data, the study proposes a paleogeographic model that suggests the presence of incision valley-like features within the Adriatic Depression. This is introduced as a potential working hypothesis and a tentative stratigraphic marker for refining the Neogene–Quaternary boundary, specifically concerning the Gelasian Stage. This re-evaluation serves as a step towards aligning Albania’s stratigraphic framework with international standards, providing insights into the paleogeographic evolution of the Mediterranean.