Evidence of the complex evolution related to two superposed orogeneses is recorded by the orogens stretched along the Mediterranean area. Evidence of the Variscan tectono-metamorphic phenomena is recorded in the Paleozoic successions exposed in the Betic–Rifian Arc, Algeria, Calabria–Peloritani Arc, Apennines, Corsica–Sardinia block, and the Alps. Evidence of the Alpine tectono-metamorphic evolution, superposed on part of these ancient basements, is widespread in the Mesozoic to Cenozoic stratigraphic record preserved in the Mediterranean Alpine chain with spectacular synorogenic to late orogenic compressional and extensional deformation.

The Alpine synorogenic to late (post-)orogenic tectono-sedimentary evolution recorded by the basins stretched on and along the Alpine belt testifies to the Tertiary to Quaternary evolution of this complex framework of the Mediterranean area. The interplay between tectonics and sedimentation ruled the synorogenic sedimentation in the Foreland Basin System, including back bulge, fore bulge, foredeep, and wedge-top basins. Sedimentary facies analysis and paleoenvironment evolution of depositional systems, together with sediment provenance studies as well as paleogeographic, paleoecologic, and paleoclimatic reconstructions, provide further constraints to trace the evolution of these sedimentary basins.

Accordingly, this special issue encompasses research contributions on earth sciences (regional geology; stratigraphy; palaeontology; sedimentology; structural geology; tectonics; mineralogy; petrography; sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic petrology; geochemistry; geochronology) related to the geological evolution of the central–western Mediterranean area.