Fluid Vents, Flank Instability, and Seafloor Processes along the Submarine Slopes of the Somma-Vesuvius Volcano, Eastern Tyrrhenian Margin

We report the geomorphological features of the continental shelf of the Gulf of Naples
along the submarine slopes of the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex. This area is characterized by seafloor morphologies that are related to mantle degassing. Significant phenomena associated with
this process occur. Doming of the seafloor has been detected in the area of Banco della Montagna,
whereas a hole-like morphology has formed at Bocca dei Pescatori, likely as a result of a phreatic
explosion. Outcropping or partially submerged volcanic bodies are also present as well as two main
debris avalanche deposits arising from the main Somma-Vesuvius edifice. A large area characterized
by an overall concave external profile and a global sediment wave morphology covers most of the
southwestern area of the volcano.