The Geological profession in Malta can trace its origin to the Knights' Period:

Knights' Period:

Déodat de Dolomieu (1750–1801) was a distinguished French geologist and mineralogist, recognized for his significant contributions to the fields of mineralogy, volcanology, and general geology. His scientific work was extensive, encompassing studies of earthquakes, volcanoes, and the classification of minerals and rocks, including his famous discovery and description of the mineral dolomite. A notable aspect of Dolomieu's life was his enduring affiliation with the Order of Malta, also known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Saint John. This connection began in his infancy, as he was admitted as a member of the Order at the age of two. He progressed through the ranks, achieving the prestigious promotion to commander in 1780. Dolomieu's most celebrated geological contribution, the discovery and description of the mineral dolomite in 1791, stemmed from his studies in the Alps. His work also included extensive investigations into volcanism, earthquakes, and the classification of minerals and rocks. For instance, he confirmed that basalt was a volcanic product and extensively studied volcanic activity in areas like Sicily, the Lipari Islands, and Mount Etna. These broader contributions firmly establish his stature as a pioneering figure in geology. His contributions concerning Malta are primarily concentrated in his 1783 memoir, "Essai sur la temperature ou Memoire sur le climat de Malte".

British Colonial Period:

Thomas Spratt, a British Vice-Admiral and hydrographer, made significant early contributions to the geological understanding of the Maltese Islands. He is often considered the "father of Maltese geology". His key contributions include:

• First Comprehensive Geological Descriptions: Spratt provided the first clear and accurate geological descriptions of the Maltese bedrock. His initial work, "On the Geology of the Maltese Islands," was published in the Proceedings of the Geological Society of London in 1843. A second, expanded edition titled "Geology of Malta and Gozo" followed in 1852.

• Early Stratigraphic Subdivision: He described the Maltese rocks as being of Miocene age and subdivided them into four main groups based on their mineral and fossil content:

  1. Coral Limestone (today known as Upper Coralline Limestone)

  2. Marl (referring to Greensand and Blue Clay)

  3. Calcareous sandstone (referring to Globigerina Limestone)

  4. Semi-crystalline limestone (today known as Lower Coralline Limestone) He further subdivided the Coral Limestone into two beds and the Calcareous sandstone into five beds, which included phosphatic nodule beds. While his initial four-group subdivision was later refined by others (notably Andrew Leith Adams and John Murray), it laid the foundational framework for understanding Maltese stratigraphy.

• Early Geological Mapping and Cross-Sections: Spratt's 1843 publication included a topographical map that indicated some faults and featured four inset geological cross-sections. This was a pioneering effort in mapping the geology of the archipelago.

• Identification of Fossil Remains: He was responsible for identifying the pygmy elephant and other characteristic Pleistocene fauna in Maltese Quaternary deposits, further contributing to the paleontological record of the islands.

• Recognition of Structural Features: Spratt's work touched upon the structural geology of the islands, including the presence of faults, contributing to the understanding of how the islands' landscape was formed.

Andrew Leith Adams (1827-1882): A Scottish physician, naturalist, and geologist who built upon Spratt's work, expanding the understanding of the islands' structure and making significant contributions to paleontology, particularly regarding fossil fauna from caves and fissures. He discovered the Magħlaq Fault in 1861.

Sir John Murray (1841–1914), a prominent oceanographer, made significant contributions to Maltese geology, building upon the foundational work of Thomas Spratt and Andrew Leith Adams. His key contributions include:

• Establishment of the Current Five-Formation Terminology: Murray is credited with establishing and naming the five geological formations of the Maltese Islands that are still in use today. This standardized terminology was a crucial advancement in the geological understanding of the archipelago.

• Comprehensive Geological Monograph and Map (1890): In 1890, Murray published a paper in the Scottish Geographical Magazine titled "The Maltese Islands with special reference to the Geological Structure." This publication synthesized previous works and added his own insights. Crucially, it was accompanied by a comprehensive geological map, printed by British cartographer John George Bartholomew. This map, based on data from Spratt, Earl of Ducie, and Leith Adams, depicted the five formations with Murray's established terminology, as well as alluvial deposits and faults, many of which are still recognized today.

Maltese Geologists of the 20th Century:

Carlo Rizzo (1907-1979) was a Maltese geologist known for his significant contributions to the understanding of the geology of the Maltese Islands. Key information about his work includes:

• "Report on the Geology of the Maltese Islands" (1932): This is his most notable publication, which also includes chapters on possible ground-water tables and prospecting for mineral oil and natural gas. This report is still referenced in geological studies of Malta.

•  Subdivision of Globigerina Limestone Formation: In his 1932 report, Rizzo subdivided the Globigerina Limestone Formation into three members: Lower, Middle, and Upper. This subdivision is still in use today.

•  Descriptions of rock types: He also described specific characteristics of various limestone types, noting their suitability for different construction purposes, such as the Middle Globigerina being useful for "foundations and inside thick masonry."

• His work laid important groundwork for later geological studies of Malta. 

George Zammit Maempel has made significant contributions to Maltese geology, particularly through his detailed historical research and documentation of geological and paleontological findings. His key contributions include:

• Documenting the History of Maltese Geology: Zammit Maempel authored "Pioneers of Maltese Geology" (1989), a comprehensive work that chronicles the contributions of earlier geologists to the understanding of the Maltese Islands. This book is a valuable resource for anyone studying the history of geological science in Malta.

• Publications on Maltese Fossils and Geology: He has written several other books and peer-reviewed papers on Maltese geology and paleontology, including "An Outline of Maltese Geology" (1977), "The Folklore of Maltese Fossils" (1982), and "Għar Dalam Cave and Deposits" (1989). His 2007 book "Illustrators and their Illustrations of Maltese Fossils and Geology" further highlights the role of Maltese fossils in the early history of paleontology.

• Identification of New Fossil Species: He is credited with authoring four new species of Maltese fossils. Notably, he described Kuphus melitensis Zammit-Maempel in 1993, a teredinid bivalve found in the Lower Coralline Limestone, which was new to science at the time.

Hugh M. Pedley: While not Maltese by birth, Dr. Pedley has made outstanding and extensive contributions to the detailed understanding of Maltese lithostratigraphy and paleoecology, particularly within the Coralline Limestone formations. His 1974 landmark work on solution subsidence structures and his 1992 resurvey of the islands have been highly influential. His work is frequently cited in current geological studies of Malta. 

Peter Gatt: A contemporary Maltese geologist.  Dr Gatt is a vocal advocate for the legal recognition of the geology profession in Malta and the establishment of a National Geological Service. He frequently raises concerns about geological safety and land use in Malta and has highlighted issues with recent geological maps. His key contributions are:

• Founder and current President of the Malta Chamber of Geologists (Kamra tal-Ġeoloġi)..

• Introduced a new member (Migra Ferha Member) within the Lower Coralline Limestone 

• Published on Malta's offshore geology and tectonic deformation. 

Aaron Micallef: A prominent contemporary Maltese geologist involved in modern research, including marine geology and the documentation of unique offshore geological features around the Maltese Islands. 

For more information: 

Rose, E.P.F. (2021) British Military contributions to the Geology of Malta, part 1. Earth Sciences History, 40, 503–537.

Zammit Maempel, G. (1989) Pioneers of Maltese Geology, 302 pp, P.E.G. Malta.

          Geologists who worked in Malta                            Geological maps of Malta