Ground deformation and gravimetric monitoring at Somma-Vesuvius and in the Campanian volcanic area (Italy)

This paper describes an integrated ground deformation and gravity network aimed at monitoring volcano-tectonic movements in the Campanian area (Southern Italy). It covers an area of more than 3000 km², including the volcanic centres of Somma-Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei caldera and Ischia island. Levelling, EDM and gravity networks, as well as periodic and continuous GPS measurements are carried out. The aim of the network is twofold: monitoring ground deformations in the above mentioned volcanic areas, and studying the complex tectonics of the Campania Plain, a graben-like structure in which the Neapolitan volcanism is concentrated, in relation to the tectonics of the Southern Apennines and of the Tyrrhenian Basin. The monitoring network consists of larger-scale levelling, EDM and GPS networks covering the whole Campania Plain, connected to the relatively stable areas of Apennines, together with smaller scale networks aimed at accurately monitoring the Somma-Vesuvius volcano, one of the most dangerous over the World due to the high degree of urban development. The Somma-Vesuvius is monitored by levelling network, over 200 km long, by periodic EDM and GPS measurements and by a small network of continuously recording GPS receivers. Moreover, high precision gravimetry is also employed to deep the knowledge of the dynamic framework of the area. The main results indicate that Mt. Vesuvius and the island of Ischia are currently quiescent, while Campi Flegrei are subject to significant slow vertical ground movements, known as “bradyseism”. Recently, two large uplifts, both of about 1.8 m, affected the area respectively in 1970–72 and 1982–84.     

Relationships between Campi Flegrei and Mt. Somma volcanism: evidence from melt inclusions in clinopyroxene phenocrysts from volcanic breccia xenoliths

Summary We present compositions of reheated melt inclusions in clinopyroxene phenocrysts from three mafic xenoliths in Breccia Museo, Campi Flegrei, Italy. Melt inclusion compositions are remarkably different from the compositions of known contemporary Campi Flegrei lavas, being significantly enriched in K₂O and depleted in Na₂O. Some differences are also evident in FeO^* (total Fe as FeO) and TiO₂ contents. The clinopyroxene phenocrysts could not have crystallised from Campi Flegrei magmas. We suggest that they originated from a volcanic system genetically very similar to, and possibly linked with, the >14 ka volcanic system of Mt. Somma, another Campanian volcano ∼ 30 km east from Campi Flegrei, from which Vesuvius subsequently developed. This result indicates a close relationship (or link) between the two volcanic systems which have until now been considered separate. We speculate that the link was established prior to eruption of the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT) (∼ 12 ka). The xenoliths were derived from a volcanic system older than the host breccias themselves. We suggest that this older volcanism had close similarities with the volcanism of the older products of Mt. Somma (∼25 ka). Received March 20, 2000; accepted November 2, 2000     

Fractional crystallization models and B–Be–Li systematics at Mt Somma-Vesuvius volcano (Southern Italy)

A compilation of B–Be–Li data on rocks that cover the entire eruptive history of Somma-Vesuvius is presented and interpreted in the light of evolution models for the Somma-Vesuvius rocks. Using major and trace element data, fractional crystalllization models are presented for different geochemical units. These data were used to constrain the source mineralogy of the Somma-Vesuvius rocks (ol-opx-cpx-gar-amp of 0.4-0.3-0.1-0.1-0.1), the amount of sediment added (5–10%) and the melt fraction from batch partial melting computations (0.05–0.1). From the B–Li data it is inferred that the main process responsible for the B isotopic signature is sediment recycling. However, the B–Li data show a major variation in Li abundances respect to B which is explained with Li dehydration before the fluid enriched the mantle wedge that produced the arc magmas. The Somma-Vesuvius B isotope composition is intermediate between that of the Campi Flegrei and the broad field of the Eolian Island arc. A low Be isotopes in the recent volcanic rocks can be explained as: (a) the top 1–22 m of the incoming sediment is accreted, (b) large amounts of sediment erosion, (c) a slow rate of subduction which have provoked a long magmatic history for the Vesuvius magma, (d) the sediment component takes several Myr longer than the subducting plate to reach the magma source region beneath Italy.     

Evidence for Multi-stage Magmatic Evolution during the past 60 kyr at Campi Flegrei (Italy) Deduced from Sr, Nd and Pb Isotope Data

The Campi Flegrei caldera, an active volcanic field in the Campanianprovince, Italy, is a nested structure generated by the CampanianIgnimbrite (37 ka BP) and the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (12 kaBP) eruptions. Since at least 60 ka BP Campi Flegrei has producedmagmas with variable chemical and Sr isotopic compositions.⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios increase through time from 0·7068 to0·7086, with the highest ratios detected in the least-evolvedshoshonitic products. The origin of this progressive Sr isotopicvariability has been investigated using new Sr, Nd and Pb isotopicdata for volcanic rocks and entrained xenoliths. The data obtainedare combined and discussed with previous geochemical and Srisotope data and used to suggest a multi-stage evolution forthe magmatic system, mainly involving deeper and shallower crustalmagma storage reservoirs. The deeper reservoir is proposed tobe a magma chamber periodically refilled by primitive maficmagmas which subsequently undergo contamination by crustal material.The assimilated crustal material is represented by xenolithsrecovered in the shoshonitic pyroclastic products. Magma batchesoriginating from the deeper reservoir migrated towards the surfaceand fed a shallower complex magmatic system. The deeper chamberwas tapped during the eruption of least evolved magmas by regionalfault systems. In addition to crystal–liquid fractionation,open-system processes occurred in the shallower system. KEY WORDS: Campi Flegrei; crustal contamination; xenoliths     

The Late Holocene tephra record of the central Mediterranean Sea: Mapping occurrences and new potential isochrons for the 4.4–2.0 ka time interval

Five cores from the southern Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas were studied for their tephra and cryptotephra content in the 4.4–2.0 ka time interval. The chronological framework for each core was obtained by accelerator mass spectrometry ¹⁴C dating, the occurrence of distinct marker tephra and stratigraphic correlation with adjacent records. Tephrochronology allowed us to correlate the analyzed deposits with tephra markers associated with Somma-Vesuvius (79 ad ), Ischia Island (Cretaio), Mt Etna (FG, FL and FS) and Campi Flegrei (Astroni-Agnano Monte Spina) events. For the first time in the marine setting, a large single glass data set is provided for the Late Holocene Etnean marker beds including the FS tephra (ca. 4.3 ka). Moreover, unknown deposits from Lipari (ca. 2.2–2.0 ka) and Vulcano (3.6–3.3 ka) are also recognized at more distal sites than previously reported. These results contribute to improve the high-resolution tephrostratigraphic framework of the central Mediterranean Sea. They also provide new insights into the chemical composition and dispersal pattern of tephras that can be used as inter-archive tools for regional and ‘local’ stratigraphic correlations and for addressing paleoclimate research.     

A New Model of Campi Flegrei Inflation and Deflation Episodes Based on Brownian Motion Driven by the Telegraph Process

A stochastic model to describe the vertical motions in the Campi Flegrei volcanic region is proposed herein, consisting of a Brownian motion process driven by a generalized telegraph process. Knowledge on the probability law of this process enables quantitative investigation of some basic parameters regulating the inflation/deflation processes, such as velocities and time constants. Statistical analysis was carried out based on linear regression with constraints. Predictions of ground displacements and their changing tendency at future time instants were also made. Finally, a statistical test on the Brownian component of the process confirmed the goodness of the model.     

A tephrostratigraphic record for the last glacial–interglacial cycle from Lake Ohrid,Albania and Macedonia

Here we present a tephrostratigraphic record (core Co1202) recovered from the northeastern part of Lake Ohrid (Republics of Macedonia and Albania) reaching back to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6. Overall ten horizons (OT0702‐1 to OT0702‐10) containing volcanic tephra have been recognised throughout the 14.94 m long sediment succession. Four tephra layers were visible at macroscopic inspection (OT0702‐4, OT0702‐6, OT0702‐8 and OT0702‐9), while the remaining six are cryptotephras (OT0702‐1, OT0702‐2, OT0702‐3, OT0702‐5, OT0702‐7 and OT0702‐10) identified from peaks in K, Zr and Sr intensities, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and washing and sieving of the sediments. Glass shards of tephra layers and cryptotephras were analysed with respect to their major element composition, and correlated to explosive eruptions of Italian volcanoes. The stratigraphy and the major element composition of tephra layers and cryptotephras allowed the correlation of OT0702‐1 to AD 472 or AD 512 eruptions of Somma‐Vesuvius, OT0702‐2 to the FL eruption of Mount Etna, OT0702‐3 to the Mercato from Somma‐Vesuvius, OT0702‐4 to SMP1‐e/Y‐3 eruption from the Campi Flegrei caldera, OT0702‐5 to the Codola eruption (Somma‐Vesuvius or Campi Flegrei), OT0702‐6 to the Campanian Ignimbrite/Y‐5 from the Campi Flegrei caldera, OT0702‐7 to the Green Tuff/Y‐6 eruption from Pantelleria Island, OT0702‐8 to the X‐5 eruption probably originating from the Campi Flegrei caldera, OT0702‐9 to the X‐6 eruption of generic Campanian origin, and OT0702‐10 to the P‐11 eruption from Pantelleria Island. The fairly well‐known ages of these tephra layers and parent eruptions provide new data on the dispersal and deposition of these tephras and, furthermore, allow the establishment of a chronological framework for core Co1202 for a first interpretation of major sedimentological changes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The volcanic and geothermally active Campi Flegrei caldera: an integrated multidisciplinary image of its buried structure

The Campi Flegrei caldera in southern Italy is one of the greatest geohazard areas on Earth. Evidence of an active magmatic and geothermal system is provided by ongoing ground uplift, with volcano-tectonic and long-period (LP) seismicity, the persistent degassing of ~1500 tonnes of CO₂ per day, the presence of hot fumaroles at temperatures of 90–150 °C, brine-rich aquifers (with total dissolved solids up to 33 g l^?1) and high thermal gradients in the crust (with temperatures reaching 420 °C at 3,050 m b.s.l.). Since the 1940s, more than 100 exploratory boreholes have been drilled in the area to depths of 80–3,100 m by the Azienda Geologica Italiana Petroli (AGIP) and the Società Anonima Forze Endogene Napoletane (SAFEN). To date, however, no systematic reanalysis of the drilling data has been carried out, and the buried volcanic structure has not been updated using the most recent scientific results and previous findings. By integrating unpublished data from the AGIP and SAFEN reports with published information from geological, volcanological, petrological, petrophysical and geophysical studies, this paper presents an improved picture of the Campi Flegrei caldera that will be useful for volcanic hazard assessment and mitigation in the Naples area and for future research planning. The results suggest that intra-caldera activity has been influenced by how the magmatic system at depths greater than about 4 km has determined the transfer of magma, volatiles, and heat to the overlying geothermal system and, ultimately, to the surface. In particular, intriguing is that the most volcanically active central-eastern sector of the caldera, which is subject to intense bradyseismic ground movement and gas emission, coincides with a structurally delimited subsurface rock volume characterized by an uprising of the 100 °C isotherm, a deep water supply to the shallower aquifer, the early disappearance of secondary calcite, LP seismicity and high seismic S-wave attenuation. In this area, we also document evidence of repeated injection at depths of c. 1.5–3.0 km of isolated and small-volume batches of magma, where occurred their crystallization and degassing. Shallow intrusions and degassing of magma are thus identified as two of the key processes that drive unrest in Campi Flegrei.     

Tephrostratigraphy and glass compositions of post-15 kyr Campi Flegrei eruptions: implications for eruption history and chronostratigraphic markers

Volcanic ash (tephra) erupted from the frequently active Campi Flegrei volcano forms layers in many palaeoenvironmental archives across Italy and the Mediterranean. Proximal deposits of 50 of the post-15 ka eruptions have been thoroughly sampled and analysed to produce a complete database of glass compositions (>1900 analyses) to aid identification of these units. The deposits of individual eruptions are compositionally diverse and this variability is often greater than that observed between different units. Many of the tephra units do not have a unique glass chemistry, with compositionally similar tephra often erupted over long periods of time (1000s years). Thus, glass chemistry alone is not enough to robustly correlate most of the tephra from Campi Flegrei, especially in the last 10 kyrs. In order to reliably correlate the eruption units it is important to take into account the stratigraphy, chronology, magnitude, and dispersal of the eruptions, which has been collated to aid identification. An updated chronology is also presented, which was constrained using Bayesian analysis (OxCal) of published radiocarbon dates and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages. All the data presented can be employed to help correlate post-15 ka tephra units preserved in archaeological and Holocene palaeoenvironmental archives. The new database of proximal glass compositions has been used to correlate proximal volcanic deposits through to distal tephra layers in the Lago di Monticchio record (Wulf et al., 2004, Wulf et al., 2008) and these correlations provide information on eruption stratigraphy and the tempo of volcanism at Campi Flegrei.     

Petrology of clinopyroxenite ejecta from Somma-Vesuvius and their genetic implications

Summary A suite of clinopyroxenite nodules, megacrysis and associated lavas from Somma-Vesuvius, Italy, has been investigated to establish its possible genetic relationships with the leucitebearing lavas of the Roman Region. The clinopyroxenites are essentially composed of clinopyroxene + mica and subordinate olivine, plagioclase, spinels, apatite and glass. The megacrysts are clinopyroxene fragments. The associated lavas are leucite-tephrites and a tephritic leucitite.The mineralogy of the clinopyroxenites is distinctive but gradational to that of the Somma-Vesuvius lavas and reflects subvolcanic crystallization of a silica-undersaturated, mafic magma. The megacrystic clinopyroxene is probably related to the clinopyroxenites.The chemical composition of the clinopyroxenites shows strong affinites to that of the Somma-Vesuvius lavas and corresponds to leucite basanite compositions. Interstitial glass in the clinopyroxenites represents a residual liquid from clinopyroxenite crystallization. This glass approaches the chemical composition of the Somma tephrites.The experimental melting of two clinopyroxenites at 1 atm demonstrates that the essential assemblage of the Somma-Vesuvius lava, leucite + clinopyroxene, may develop from basanite compositions where olivine disappears by reaction with the liquid to form clinopyroxene. It is concluded that the clinopyroxenites represent basanitic magma crystallized at depth and that the Somma-Vesuvius leucite-bearing lavas are potential derivatives of this magma.

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Petrologie von Klinopyroxenit-Auswürflingen von Somma-Vesuv und ihre genetische Bedeutung

Zusammenfassung Leucit-Tephrite und tephritische Leucitite der Romana enthalten Klinopyroxenit-Einschlüsse sowie Kristalle von Klinopyroxen, Glimmer, und untergeordnet Olivin, Plagioklas, Spinell, Apatit und Glas. Die genetischen Beziehungen zwischen Laven und Einschlüssen wurden an Hand der Ergebnisse petrologischer und geochemischer Untersuchungen überprüft.Die Mineralogie der Klinopyroxenite kann mit der der Somma-Vesuv-Laven korreliert werden und weist auf subvulkanische Kristallisation eines Si-untersättigten, mafischen Magmas hin.Die chemische Zusammensetzung der Klinopyroxenite zeigt deutliche Beziehungen zu den Laven von Somma-Vesuv und entspricht einem leucit-basanitischen Typ. Restschmelze der Klinopyroxenit-Kristallisation ist als Glas auf der Intergranulare erhalten. Die Zusammensetzung dieser Gläser ähnelt der von Somma-Tephriten.Schmelzversuche an zwei Klinopyroxeniten bei 1 atm zeigen, daß die wichtigste Mineralassoziation der Somma-Vesuv-Laven, Leucit und Klinopyroxen, aus einer basanitischen Zusammensetzung abzuleiten sind. Olivin verschwindet dabei durch Reaktion mit der Schmelze und Klinopyroxen wird gebildet. Die Untersuchungen lassen erkennen, daß die Klinopyroxenite Kristallisationsprodukte in der Tiefe erstarrter basanitischer Magmen sind, und daß die leucitführenden Magmen von Somma-Vesuv als mögliche Abkömmlinge dieser Magmen zu sehen sind.

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With 3 Figures     

Sr isotopic evidence for a multi-source origin of the potassic magmas in the neapolitan area (S. Italy)

New Sr isotopic data on lavas and xenoliths from Somma-Vesuvius and other nearby volcanic areas (Phlegrean Fields and Ischia) are presented. Chemical and isotopic evidences show that not all the Phlegrean Fields rocks belong to the low K series, but some of them may be interpreted as low pressure differentiates of Somma magmas, i.e. as a part of the high K series. Two rock groups are defined in the Ischia low K series, which are well identified both in time and in chemical and isotopic features, and cannot be derived from the same magma source. The low K series in the studied area generally has lower Sr isotopic values than the high K series.Historical Vesuvian lavas show two distinct linear trends with negative slopes when⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios are plotted against their ages of eruption. Such trends are interpreted to result from mixing of magmas in two separate reservoirs. Evidence from the Vesuvian ejecta shows that Somma-Vesuvius magmas underwent high or low pressure fractionation, in connection with different events of the Vesuvian activity. Distinct magma reservoirs developed episodically at different depths. Isotopic and geochemical evidences do not favour large scale assimilation of crustal materials by Somma-Vesuvius magmas, but instead appear to reflect mantle characteristics.A minimum of three different (inhomogeneous) source regions is necessary to account for the isotopic features of the studied rocks.     

Italian active volcanoes

The eruptive histories, styles of activity and general modes of operation of the main active Italian volcanoes,Etna, Vulcano, Stromboli, Vesuvio, Campi Flegrei and Ischia, are described in a short summary.     

Research progress in volcanology in the Neapolitan area, southern Italy: a review and some alternative views

Comprehensive reviews are given for the major volcanic systems that occur in the greater metropolitan area of Naples, southern Italy; Mt. Somma-Vesuvius to the east and the Campi Flegrei volcanic system to the west. Also included in the review is a detailed discussion of the large, highly explosive Campania Volcanic Zone (CVZ) ignimbrite events. These volcanic areas have been studied for more than 100 years, yet significant differences of opinion exist related to fundamental issues of origin and distribution. We present some alternative views related to petrogenesis on some issues based on more than 25 years of research. The relationship between risk assessment and management that impacts the threatened society or culture and the past and ongoing fundamental volcanological research is an essential part of the science. Countries with limited resources may be forced to accept an increased risk but even highly industrialized societies may not be able to completely eliminate deaths from volcanic eruptions. Scientific studies of the hazardous regions should be comprehensive and include reasonable alternative interpretations as this information reveals the level of confidence that must be conveyed to the public officials. The authors review the state of the art of risk assessment and management of the volcanic hazards in the Neapolitan region in light of the review of research.     

Shear wave velocities and primary influencing factors of Campi Flegrei–Neapolitan deposits

The Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) has been the site of intense seismic activity over the past decades. This area is densely populated and includes important towns such as Napoli with historical sites and supporting many industries. For the proper use and management of the region, the evaluation of the dynamic properties of near-surface rocks is necessary.

The volcanological pattern has been reconstructed from the lithostratigraphies of several drillings. The most interesting and widespread pyroclastic products are the pozzolana deposit (soil) and the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (rock). Both pozzolana and tuff products are covered by recent eluvial and coastal sandy deposits and younger volcanic products (<12 000 years). The characteristic ranges of the shear wave velocity (V_s) of the Campi Flegrei–Neapolitan soils and tuffs are defined and the primary influencing factors are evaluated. For the sandy deposits, the results show that eluvial and lacustral products have lower shear wave velocities than coastal products. For the volcanic products younger than 12 000 years b.p. the influence of vertical pressure is emphasized. As regards the pozzolana deposit (soil) and the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (rock), a major influencing factor is shown by the textural characteristics and the different hardening degrees as a consequence of the diagenetic processes. The scattering of the V_s velocities for the same formation is so wide that only the variability ranges can be individuated. These results suggest a need to carry out detailed V_s measurements or, at least, to make a parametric study of the effect of the V_s ranges on seismic response analysis in order to give safe building codes.     

Mapping the vulnerability for evacuation of the Campi Flegrei territorial system in case of a volcanic unrest

Over the past few decades, intense urban expansion has occurred over the Campi Flegrei territorial system without considering the volcanic risk. In this active volcanic area, where a short period evacuation could be necessary, the emergency management cannot be based solely on hazard-related information. The territorial and social features must also be considered. In this framework, the main purpose of this research is to point out the seriousness of the present setting of the Campi Flegrei territorial system in case an evacuation is necessary. Following the concept of regional evacuation, the zone to be involved in emergency planning was identified as the whole of the area threatened by the volcanic events of the past 10?ka. Inside this area the spatial relation between the resident distribution and the outflows of roads, railway stations and harbours, to facilitate evacuation, was investigated. A spatial relational GIS-based procedure was used to draw the territorial system vulnerability map, depicting the zones with different capabilities to support the evacuation of residents in case of volcanic activity. Based on the concept that people could leave the dangerous area by the means of transport supplied by Civil Protection, and using the threshold value of over-crowding of 0.70 people/m², we identified the collection areas for residents to be immediately evacuated in case of volcanic unrest, and five macrozones displaying different capabilities to cope with an emergency phase.     

Rapid terrain-based mapping of some volcaniclastic flow hazard using Gis-based automated methods: a case study from southern Campania,Italy

Destructive volcaniclastic flows are among the most recurrent and dangerous natural phenomena in volcanic areas. They can originate not only during or shortly after an eruption (syn-eruptive) but also during a period of volcanic quiescence (inter-eruptive), when heavy and/or persistent rains remobilize loose pyroclastic deposits. The area in Italy most prone to such flows is that of the Apennine Mountains bordering the southern Campania Plain. These steep slopes are covered by pyroclastic material of variable thickness (a few cm to several m) derived from the explosive activity of the Somma-Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei volcanoes a few tens of kilometers to the west. The largest and most recent devastating event occurred on May 5, 1998, causing the death of more than 150 people and considerable damage to villages at the foot of the Apennine Mountains. This tragic event was only the most recent of a number of volcaniclastic flows affecting the area in both historical and prehistoric times. Historical accounts report that more than 500 events have occurred in the last five centuries and that more than half of these occurred in the last 100 years, causing hundreds of deaths. In order to improve volcaniclastic flow hazard zonation and risk mitigation in the study area, we produced a zonation map that identifies the drainage basins potentially prone to disruption. This map was obtained by combining morphological characteristics (concavity and basin shape factor) and the mean slope distribution of drainage basins derived from a digital elevation model with a 10-m resolution. These parameters allowed for the classification of 1,069 drainage basins, which have been grouped into four different classes of proneness to disruption: low, moderate, high and very high. The map compiled in a GIS environment, as well as the linked database, can be rapidly queried.     

GEOCITY: a drill-hole database as a tool to assess geological hazard in Napoli urban area

The geological investigations of Napoli city, which represent the basic data source for geological hazard assessment, are characterized by the absence of well exposed and continuous outcrops, mainly due to the development of the urbanized area occurred in the last 50 years. In order to increase the set of available geological information, a database named GEOCITY has been realized on the base of 900 drill holes with stratigraphies reflecting the main drill-hole surveys performed during the last century. The true key moments in its construction were the homogenisation of different data and the identification of the geological formations. A detailed analysis of the drill-hole raw data allowed us to define the database entities, while the features of the deposits, the distribution of products and the reference drill holes were used to identify the geological formation. The analysis performed using the GEOCITY database made it possible to better assess volcanic hazard from Campi Flegrei and Somma-Vesuvio and the hazard related to alluvial phenomena that Napoli city is exposed to.     

Crystallization kinetics of alkali feldspars in cooling and decompression-induced crystallization experiments in trachytic melt

Cooling and decompression experiments have been carried out on trachytic melts in order to investigate crystallization kinetics of alkali feldspar, the effect of the degree of undercooling (ΔT = T _liquidus ? T _experimental) and time on nucleation and crystal growth process. This experimental work gives us new data about crystallization kinetics of trachytic melts, and it that will be useful to better understand the natural system of Campi Flegrei volcanoes. Experiments have been conducted using cold seal pressure vessel apparatus, at pressure between 30 and 200 MPa, temperature between 750 and 855 °C, time between 7,200 and 57,600 s and redox condition close to the NNO +0.8 buffer. These conditions are ideal to reproducing pre- and syn-eruptive conditions of the Campi Flegrei volcanoes, where the “conditions” pertain to the complete range of pressures, temperatures and time at which the experiments were performed. Alkali feldspar is the main phase present in this trachyte, and its abundance can strongly vary with small changes in pressure, temperature and water content in the melt, implying appreciable variations in the textures and in the crystallization kinetics. The obtained results show that crystallization kinetics are strictly related to ΔT, time, final pressure, superheating (?ΔT) and water content in the melt. ΔT is the driving force of the crystallization, and it has a strong influence on nucleation and growth processes. In fact, the growth process dominates crystallization at small ΔT, whereas the nucleation dominates crystallization at large ΔT. Time also is an important variable during crystallization process, because long experiment durations involve more nucleation events of alkali feldspar than short experiment durations. This is an important aspect to understand magma evolution in the magma chamber and in the conduit, which in turn has strong effects on magma rheology.     

The MED-SUV virtual research environment for enabling the GEO Geohazard supersites in Italy

This paper presents the Virtual Research Environment (VRE) enabling two European GEO Geohazard Supersites in Italy. According to GEO (Group on Earth Observation) vision, Geohazard Supersites provide access to spaceborne and in-situ geophysical data and models for selected sites prone to natural hazards –noticeably, earthquakes and volcano eruptions. The VRE was implemented in the framework of the Mediterranean Supersite Volcanoes (MED-SUV) project, funded by the European Commission. MED-SUV realized one of the European supersite demonstrators covering the two Permanent Supersites selected in Italy: Mt. Etna and Campi Flegrei/Vesuvius. The MED-SUV VRE provides advanced services for heterogeneous data and information management and sharing. MED-SUV started identifying the main supersite requirements including: the interoperability with existing data/information supply systems, the support of policy-based access control, the access to processing capabilities provided by external platforms, the management resources for publishing and sharing new products, the integration with significant global systems such as GEOSS and EPOS. MED-SUV adopted a System of Systems (SoS) approach to address interoperability with the identified heterogeneous systems supplying data and information. The SoS approach is based on a brokering architecture, where a specialized component (i.e the MED-SUV Broker: MSB) connects the existing and next-coming data sources leaving them autonomous. MSB carries out all the necessary mediation and harmonization tasks exposing standard interfaces enabling the interconnection with external systems like GEOSS and EPOS. In addition, MSB is accessible via a JavaScript library implementing Web APIs to facilitate the development of Web and mobile applications.     

中国西部新生代火山活动及其大地构造背景——青藏及邻区火山岩的形成机制

在青藏高原及邻区考察了新生代火山岩 ,并对西藏的 5个火山岩省进行了岩石学和同位素地球化学的综合研究 ,探讨了火山岩的源区特征。西昆仑省喷发了钠质熔岩 ,而其它省均为钾质熔岩类 ;甘肃礼县新生代盆地主要以超镁铁质熔岩为主 ;云南的金沙江北段、腾冲以及滇东南的火山岩类在岩石组合、喷发时代和意义上独具特色。文中以陆内俯冲、岩石圈深部的大地构造演化 ,特别是“壳幔过渡带”的部分熔融 ,对它们的成因及科学意义进行了综合讨论。