The Maltese Islands were markedly shaped and altered through
the influence of tectonic activity. Major tectonic movements in the central
Mediterranean resulted the the formation of the Islands mass and the surrounding
region, and the raising of this landmass above sea level at the end of
the Miocene. Further tectonic activity eventually broke down the landmass
into the various islands and rock of the Maltese archipelago. The exposure
of the land to the environment enabled the acceleration of the action of
denuding forces. The arrival of Neolithic man on the Islands about 7000
years ago with his agricultural and husbandry technology initiated a significant
alteration of the land surface.
