Francalanci, Lorella

The peninsular and insular Italy are punctuated by Quaternary volcanoes and their rocks constitute an important aliquot of the Italian Quaternary sedimentary successions. Also away from volcanoes itself, volcanic ash layers are a common and frequent feature of the Quaternary records, which provide us with potential relevant stratigraphic and chronological markers at service of a wide array of the Quaternary science issues. In this paper, a broad representation of the Italian volcanological community has joined to provide an updated comprehensive state of art of the Italian Quaternary volcanism. The eruptive history, style and dynamics and, in some cases, the hazard assessment of about thirty Quaternary volcanoes, from the northernmost Mt. Amiata, in Tuscany, to the southernmost Pantelleria, in Sicily Channel, are here reviewed in the light of the substantial improving of the conceptual models, methodological approaches and the overall knowledge made in the last decades in the volcanological field study. We hope that the prest review can represent an useful and agile document summarising the knowledege on the Italian volcanism at the service of the Quaternary community operating in central Mediterranean area.

Processes of crystal-mush remobilization bymaficmagma recharges are often related to the outpouring of large volumes of silicic melt during caldera-forming eruptions. This occurred for the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI) eruption (Campi Flegrei, Italy), which produced a voluminous trachy-phonolitic ignimbrite in southern-central Italy about 40 ka ago.We focussed on the proximal-CI deposits at San Martino that are composed of a main sequence of early-erupted, crystal-poor units and a late-erupted (post-caldera collapse) crystal-rich Upper Pumice Flow Unit (UPFU). Detailed micro-analytical geochemical data were performed on glasses and crystals of pyroclasts from these deposits and coupledwith Sr-Nd isotopic measurements on glasses. Results show that the CI eruption was fed by two distinctmelts for the early-erupted units and the late UPFU, respectively. The glasses of the early erupted units have negative Eu anomalies and show more evolved compositions and higher Nd isotope ratios than those of the UPFU, which have positive Eu/Eu*. The magmas of the early units formed the main volume of eruptiblemelt of the CI reservoir, and are interpreted as having been extracted from cumulate crystal-mush without a vertical geochemical gradient within the magma reservoir. The data indicate that the generation of the distinctive UPFU melts involved the injection of a new batch of mafic magma into the base of the CI reservoir. The mafic magma allowed heating and reactivation of the CI crystal-mush by melting of low-Or sanidines (+/− low-An plagioclases), leaving high-An plagioclases and high-Mg# clinopyroxenes as residual phases and a crystal-mush melt, made of 20% of the initial mush interstitial melt (with a composition similar to the early erupted units) and 80% of sanidine melt. When the mush crystallinity was sufficiently reduced, the mafic magma was able to penetrate into the reactivated crystal-mush, mixing with variable proportions of crystalmush melt and generating cooler hybrid melts, which underwent further crystallization of high-Or sanidine at variable degrees (10–25%). Finally, possibly a short time before the eruption, the UPFU magmas were able to mix and mingle with the crystal-poor eruptible melts still persisting in the CI reservoir at the time of UPFU emission. We suggest that the complex mechanisms described for themagma evolution feeding the CI eruption may occur whenever a crystal-mush is reactivated by new mafic magma inputs .

We present a multidisciplinary geological study of lithified to unconsolidated, ash-rich lapilli-tuff deposits bearing accretionary lapilli that crop out in scattered sites along the lower slopes of the Stromboli volcano (southern Italy). These deposits are related to three pyroclastic successions (called Semaforo Nuovo, Secche di Lazzaro and Semaforo Labronzo) with distinctive lithologic and volcanologic features, and different stratigraphic position within the Neostromboli volcano-stratigraphy (Holocene). Their juvenile clasts have slightly different major and trace element compositions (whole-rock and glass), isotopic ratios and mineralogical characteristics, although they are all within the most evolved high-K shoshonites typical of Neostromboli. The three successions are independently recognized in distinct sectors of the volcano, displaying an asymmetric areal distribution that is interpreted as the result of directed pyroclastic density currents (and minor fallout) generated fromsummit eruptive vents. Lithological characteristics and morphoscopic features of ash particles indicate phreatomagmatic fragmentation (combined with mechanisms of volatile exsolution or decompression), which is atypical with respect to the dominant Strombolian/effusive eruptive behaviour of Stromboli during the Holocene. We suggest that the three phreatomagmatic eruptions are linked to different major lateral collapses (associated to flank fissure eruptions) that occurred along theNW-dipping Sciara del Fuoco collapsed flank. It is argued that the collapses have unloaded the magmatic and hydrothermal system enabling magma-water interaction and explosive decompression of a shallow magma reservoir. The recurrent collapse-eruption link with generation of directed PDCs able to reach the lower slopes of the volcano highlights a previously underestimated source of volcanic hazard at Stromboli.

The Baia–Fondi di Baia was a multi-stage, small-scale eruption which occurred in the western part of the Campi Flegrei caldera at 9525–9696 BP, marking the onset of Epoch 2 of post-Neapolitan Yellow Tuff volcanism. The eruption was characterized by a complex series of events related to two distinct eruptive episodes (Baia and Fondi di Baia) separated by a short time interval, and each characterized by several eruptive phases. Mineralogical, geochemical (major, and trace elements on whole rocks, major and volatile elements on matrix glasses, and melt inclusions), and Sr isotope characterization of the tephra material sampled along the entire sequence was carried out in order to constrain magmatic evolution and dynamics of the feeding system. Three main compositional groups were identified in matrix glasses and interpreted as representative of different magma bodies: (i) a trachyte (SiO2 60.3–64.7 wt.%), which is volumetrically predominant; (ii) a tephriphonolite-latite (SiO2: 55.1–57.9 wt.%); and (iii) an intermediate magma group between phonolite and trachyte compositions. This wide compositional heterogeneity contrasts with the narrow variability recognized in the bulk-rock compositions, which are all trachytic. Mineral, melt inclusions, and Sr isotope data suggest that the trachytic magma possibly derived from the Campanian Ignimbrite reservoir located at 6–9 km depth. Volatile content in matrix glass indicates a storage depth of at least 6 km for the tephriphonolite-latitic magma. The intermediate magma is interpreted as being derived from a remelting and assimilation process of a partially crystallized trachytic body (crystal mush) by the hotter tephriphonolite-latitic magma. As the tephriphonolite-latite was erupted together with the trachyte from the beginning of the eruption, we suggest that the ascent of this magma played a fundamental role in triggering the eruption. Upwards through the tephra sequence, we observed a progressive increase of the tephriphonolite-latitic and intermediate phonolite-trachytic components. The presence of banded clasts characterized by different compositions is also indicative of syn-eruptive mingling during the final phases of the eruption.

The complex processes occurring in the initial phases of an eruption are often recorded in the products of its opening stage,which are usually characterized by small volume and limited dispersal, and thus generally poorly studied. The 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland) represents a unique opportunity for these investigations thanks to the good preservation of tephra deposits within the ice/snow pack. A detailed geochemical investigation on the glassy groundmass of single ash clasts disclosed a population of fragmentswith unusual high 87Sr/86Sr (up to 0.70668) for Icelandic magmatism, and anomalous elemental composition with respect to most of the juvenile material of the eruption. This suggests that during its rise, before intruding into the ice cover, magma at a dyke tip selectively assimilated hydrothermal minerals with seawater-related, high-Sr isotopic ratios (zeolites, silica phases, anhydrite) hosted in altered volcanic/epiclastic rocks. According to the observed precursory seismicity, only restricted to few hours before the onset of the eruption, this process could have accompanied subcritical aseismic fracture opening during the days before the eruption, possibly related to stress corrosion-cracking processes, which enhanced the partial dissolution/melting and subsequent selective assimilation of the host rocks.

n 2011-2012 Santorini was characterized by seismic-geodetic-geochemical unrest, which was unprecedented since the most-recent eruption occurred in 1950 and led to fear an eruption was imminent. This unrest offered a chance for investigating the processes leading to volcanic reactivation and the compositional characteristics of involved magma. We have thus analyzed the He-Ne-Ar-isotope composition of fluid inclusions in olivines and clinopyroxenes from cumulate mafic enclaves hosted in cogenetic dacitic lavas of the 1570–1573 and 1925–1928 eruptions of Nea Kameni. These unique data on Aegean volcanism were compared with those of gases collected in quiescent periods and during the unrest. The 3He/4He-ratios (3.1–4.0Ra) are significantly lower than the typical arc-volcano values (R/Ra~7–8), suggesting the occurrence of magma contamination in Santorini plumbing system, which would further modify the 3He/4He-ratio of parental magmas generated in the local metasomatized mantle. The 3He/4He-values of enclaves (3.1–3.6Ra) are comparable to those measured in gases during quiescent periods, confirming that enclaves reflect the He-isotope signature of magma residing at shallow depths and feeding passive degassing. A significant increase in soil CO2 flux from Nea Kameni and anomalous compositional variations in the fumaroles were identified during the unrest, accordingly with previous studies. Simultaneously, 3He/4He-ratios up to 4.0Ra were also measured, demonstrating that the unrest was due to the intrusion into the shallow plumbing system of a more-primitive 3He-rich magma, which is even volatile richer and less contaminated than mafic magma erupted as enclaves. This new intrusion did not however trigger an eruption.

Stromboli is famous for its persistent volcanic activity consisting of periodic discrete explosions alternating with lava effusion and more violent explosions. This paper presents a detailed reconstruction of the geological history of Stromboli and description of the characteristics and distribution of the volcanic units and structural features. Six main growth stages (Eruptive Epochs 1–6), in addition to the c. 200 ka activity of Strombolicchio, are recognized between c. 85 ka and the present day, displaying a magma composition ranging from calc-alkaline to potassic series which usually varies with changing Eruptive Epochs. The Epochs are subdivided into sequences of eruptions and characterized by dominant central-vent summit activity with episodic phases of flank activity along fissures and eccentric vents. The activity was repeatedly interrupted by erosional and destructive phases driven by recurrent vertical caldera-type (cc1–5) and sector (and flank) collapses (sc1–7) and generally associated with significant quiescences. The different serial character of the Stromboli rocks is associated with largely variable trace element contents and isotope ratios. These petrochemical characteristics together with our new stratigraphy indicate that magmas, generated in a heterogeneous mantle wedge, underwent complex differentiation processes during their ascent. Magmas are characterized by polybaric evolution residing in small magma reservoirs that are alternatively tapped by the different collapses.

No abstract

After the 6 month-long effusive event of 2002-2003, a new lava effusion occurred at Stromboli between 27 February and 2 April 2007. Despite the different durations, approximately the same volume of magma was emitted in both eruptions, in the order of 107 m3 . A paroxysmal eruption occurred at the summit craters in both the 2002–2003 and 2007 episodes, during which a significant amount of low porphyritic (LP), volatile- rich magma was erupted. In both cases, the paroxysm did not interrupt the lava emission. Here, we present compositional data, including texture, mineralogy, chemistry and Sr and Nd isotope ratios of bulk-rock, groundmass and separated minerals of lavas erupted in 2007, together with chemistry and Sr and Nd isotope composition of the pumices emitted during the 15 March paroxysm. As a whole, the lavas have the same texture and chemistry that characterize the highly porphyritic (HP) products usually erupted at Stromboli during normal Strombolian activity and effusive events. Compared to the previous HP products, the 2007 lavas show minor but systematic mineralogical and isotopic variations which are consistent with a modest increase of the magma supply rate of the volcano. Compositional variations during the entire duration of the event are very modest. Glass chemistry changes in lavas erupted in the second half of March can be explained by theminormixing between the volatile-rich LPmagma rising through the shallowmagmatic systemduring the 15 March paroxysm and the degassed residing HP magma. A first conclusion of this study is that there is no compositional evidence supporting major changes in the magma dynamics of the volcano accompanying the effusive activity, as also suggested for the 2002–2003 event. The activity of Stromboli is controlled by a steady state feeding system in which refilling, mixing, degassing and crystallization at shallow level continuously operate,withmodest oscillations in themagma supply rate. Switching between normal Strombolian and effusive activity is related to periods of relatively more vigorous refilling of the shallow system, leading to progressive pressure increase in the upper conduits associated with only minor compositional variations in the erupted products.

Stromboli volcano is famous in the scientific literature for its persistent state of activity, which began about 1500 years ago and consists of continuous degassing and mild intermittent explosions (normal Strombolian activity). Rare lava emissions and sporadic more violent explosive episodes (paroxysms) also occur. Since its formation, the present-day activity has been dominated by the emission of two basaltic magmas, differing chiefly in their crystal and volatile contents, whose characteristics have remained constant until now. The normal Strombolian activity and lava effusions are fed by a crystal-rich, degassed magma, stored within the uppermost part of the plumbing system, whereas highly vesicular, crystal-poor light-colored pumices are produced during paroxysms testifying to the ascent of volatile-rich magma batches from deeper portions of the magmatic system. Mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic data, together with data on the volatile contents of magmas, are presented here with the aim of discussing (1) the relationships between the different magma batches erupted at Stromboli, (2) the mechanisms of their crystallization and transfer, (3) the plumbing system and triggering mechanisms of Strombolian eruptions.