Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient Megaflood Reshaped Sicily in Just Days

1/22/2025

33 6

Summary

Story summary

A colossal megaflood, occurring 5 million years ago, dramatically reshaped Sicily as it refilled the Mediterranean Sea. Researchers uncovered chaotic rock deposits and eroded hills, revealing the flood's ferocity. Rushing at 115 km/h, it submerged hills under 40 meters of water, completing the Mediterranean's refill in just 2 to 16 years, with the peak event lasting mere days.

1 of 1

Story summary

A colossal megaflood, occurring 5 million years ago, dramatically reshaped Sicily as it refilled the Mediterranean Sea. Researchers uncovered chaotic rock deposits and eroded hills, revealing the flood's ferocity. Rushing at 115 km/h, it submerged hills under 40 meters of water, completing the Mediterranean's refill in just 2 to 16 years, with the peak event lasting mere days.