The nationalization of electoral change in a geographical perspective: the case of Italy (2006–2008)

This paper assesses the nationalization of electoral change in a setting of major changes at the party level. After discussing the theoretical difference between the configuration of the electorate and its movement, the Italian case is examined. In order to check whether strategic voting dynamics took place between the 2006 and 2008 Italian Parliamentary elections, the swing voters’ estimates are obtained. After having shown that the Italian electorate behaved strategically, we investigated whether the swing had a national or a territorial pattern. The findings show that the switching occurred in Italy between the 2006 and the 2008 elections can be considered national.     

SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating of anatexis in high-grade migmatite complexes of Central Spain: implications in the Hercynian evolution of Central Iberia

U–Pb SHRIMP ages obtained in zircons from the Sotosalbos and Toledo anatectic complexes in Central Spain give new constraints to the evolution of the inner part of the Hercynian Iberian belt. Pre-Hercynian ages in zircons from the Sotosalbos complex (∼464 Ma) are well preserved and reveal that an age diversity of the Lower Paleozoic magmatism in the area exists, as previous data on westernmost orthogneisses yield significant older ages. Zircon ages in the pelite-derived granites from the Toledo complex also show an important Neoproterozoic age component which points to a metasedimentary protolith deposited maximally 560 Ma ago. Younger zircon populations in both complexes at ∼330 Ma in the Sotosalbos region and ∼317 Ma in the Toledo complex indicate an important diachronism between the anatectic processes in both areas but also that these processes are mainly unrelated to the generation of the later Hercynian granite batholith of Central Spain, which could be of deeper crustal derivation. In addition, as migmatization occurred late in the metamorphic cycle, after peak conditions were attained, the age of anatexis is younger than the age of the main Hercynian metamorphic event, which still is not well constrained. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The Malpica–Lamego Line: a major crustal-scale shear zone in the Variscan belt of Iberia

The Malpica–Lamego Line (MLL) is a deformation zone in the Variscan belt of NW Iberia (NW Spain and N Portugal) that runs parallel to the chain for at least 275 km, bearing I-type granodiorite plutons along most of its length. The MLL affects previous structures by which high pressure and ophiolitic rocks were exhumed and emplaced on the Iberian plate during earlier deformation phases. Correlation and reconstruction of the stratigraphy of these sheets or tectonic units at both sides of the shear zone allows a preliminary estimate of the accumulated vertical and horizontal offsets after the tectonic activity of the fault. The value of the separations, of crustal-scale proportions, reaches a maximum 15 km of vertical offset that decreases gradually to the south. The structural record found in the rocks indicates a strike-slip regime that, in general, does not fit the geometry of the offsets. We suggest that the MLL went through two different stages during the same orogenic cycle: a first dip-slip episode, a reverse faulting event, overprinted by a later strike-slip reactivation.     

Metropolitan food systems in developing countries: The perspective of “Urban Metabolism”

The perspective of the paper is that of urban metabolism which views cities, metaphorically, as metabolic processes which take in people, food, resources, and energy, transform these into a distinctive quality of life, and emit people, products, and wastes. The paper focuses on urban food metabolism, by using the concept of the food system which includes the sub-systems of production, supply, distribution and consumption of food. The paper seeks to review the state of knowledge for each of these sub-systems, to provide examples that illustrate the functioning and determinants of urban food systems, to identify critical gaps in knowledge, to outline central research desiderata and to examine critically the analytic value of the concept of urban food metabolism.Revised version of a paper presented to the International Symposium on Urban Metabolism, held in Kobe, Japan, September 6–11, 1993     

Review of “Groundwater modeling in semiarid Central Sudan: adequacy and long-term abstraction” (Abdalla 2009a)

The groundwater resources of the confined aquifers north of El Obeid town in Central Sudan are inadequate and limited due to absence of recent recharge and alternative sources of induced recharge contrary to the findings of Abdalla (Abdalla 2009a, Arab J Geosci, DOI 10.1007/s12517-009-0042-4), who claimed that 35 million cubic meters/year can be continually extracted from the deep aquifers of Bara Basin to supply El Obeid city without endangering the groundwater resources in the region.     

The “Donauplatin”: source rock analysis and origin of a distal fluvial Au-PGE placer in Central Europe

The mineral assemblage and the sedimentological characteristics of the “Donauplatin” (Danubian fluvial placer containing platinum-group elements (PGE) and gold (Au)) are described for the first time in connection with upstream reference placer deposits near the potential source area in tributaries of the River Danube/Donau. Granulometric and morphometric data have been obtained using the CCD-based CAMSIZER technique. The platinum-group minerals (PGM; iridium, osmium, unknown iridium-osmium-sulfide, ruthenium-osmium-iridium alloys, platinum-iron alloys, iridium-bearing platinum, sperrylite) have been derived from ultramafic magmatic rocks, probably belonging to the ophiolitic series in the Tepla Barrandian unit of the Bohemian Massif. The Au-Pd-Cu compounds in the placer originated from dynamo-metamorphogenic processes in a sulfur-deficient environment at the SW edge of the Bavarian Basement. Gold in the “Donauplatin” has been reworked from a “secondary” or intermediate repository of lateritic gold (Boddington-type). Its primary source is supposed to be of orogenic origin. Provenance analyses of the associated non-heavy minerals point to high-pressure metamorphic rocks, igneous rocks (monazite) and high-temperature metamorphic rocks (750° to 850°C, zircon morphology). Garnet compositions indicate that meta(ultra)basic igneous rocks, calc-silicate rocks and skarns prevailed over paragneisses in the provenance area. Extraterrestrial processes creating the well-known Ries impact crater in the environs of Nördlingen during the Miocene have a minor share in the PGE budget by delivering molybdenum-ruthenium-osmium-iridium alloys and iridium solid-solution series (s.s.s.) minerals. Judging by the heavy mineral suites, Saxothuringian source rocks of the NE Bavarian Basement connected with the Donau River via the Naab River drainage system have not contributed to the element budget of the “Donauplatin” under study. Stream sediments which have been derived from this provenance area are characterized by low-temperature (LT) crystalline rocks and a considerable proportion of pegmatitic and metabauxitic material lacking in the Holocene sediments of the “Donauplatin”.     

Spatial transformations in a “loosening state”: South Africa in a comparative perspective

This study explores the spatial transformation of urban South Africa since the ending of Apartheid rule two decades ago. It places this experience within the context of countries which have also gone through a “loosening” of political control and of related controls over spatial arrangements. The paper provides a discussion of South Africa’s spatial trends between 1996 and 2011, focusing on urbanisation; urban form; and socio-spatial segregation, and exploring the extent to which changes identified are shaped by the state, private sector investment, and the everyday actions of households and individuals. It shows that South Africa’s urban spatial transformation, post-Apartheid, is both idiosyncratic and comparable. The consequences of spatial controls, and of their loosening, have been diverse across countries, but also within countries. Loosening has led to differing relationships between state, citizenry and private enterprise, and to complex new crossing points between these groupings, affecting spatial change. In South Africa, significant trends have been: movement to the major cities where employment growth is stronger; levels of racial desegregation; and densification of parts of cities and towns, along with peripheral growth and employment decentralisation. Many of the changes however are differentiated across space and between settlements. While proactive state policies have had some impact (not necessarily in the direction of desired spatial transformation), and there are complex interrelationships, our empirical studies suggest that the major weight of evidence is towards the roles of private enterprise and people in shaping spatial change, enabled in part by forms of state loosening.     

Investigating the kinematics of local thrust sheet rotation in the limb of an orocline: a paleomagnetic and structural analysis of the Esla tectonic unit, Cantabrian–Asturian Arc, NW Iberia

The Esla tectonic unit lies along the southern boundary of the Cantabrian–Asturian Arc, a highly curved foreland fold-thrust belt that was deformed during the final amalgamation of the Pangea supercontinent. Previous structural and paleomagnetic analyses of the Cantabrian–Asturian Arc suggest a two-stage tectonic history in which an originally linear belt was bent into its present configuration, creating an orocline. The Esla tectonic unit is a particularly complex region due to the interaction of rotating thrust sheets from the southern limb of the arc and the southward-directed thrusts of the Picos de Europa tectonic domain during late-stage north–south shortening and oroclinal bending. These structural interactions resulted in intense modification of early-phase thin-skinned tectonic structures that were previously affected by a deeper out-of-sequence antiformal stack that passively deformed the early thrust stack. A total of 75 paleomagnetic sites were collected from the Portilla and Santa Lucia formations, two carbonate passive-margin reef platform units from the middle Devonian. Similar to other regions of the Cantabrian–Asturian Arc, Esla Unit samples carry a secondary remanent magnetization that was acquired after initial thrusting and folding of Variscan deformation in the late Carboniferous. Protracted deformation during late-stage oroclinal bending caused reactivation of existing thrust sheets that include the Esla and younger Corniero and Valbuena thrusts. When combined with existing structural data and interpretations, these data indicate that the present-day sinuosity of the Esla Unit is the consequence of both secondary rotation of originally linear features in the western Esla exposures (e.g., frontal thrusts), and secondary modification and tightening of originally curvilinear features in the eastern Esla exposures (e.g., hanging-wall lateral/oblique ramps). Differences in structural style between the Esla and other tectonic units of the arc highlight the complex kinematics of oroclinal bending, which at the orogen-scale buckled an originally linear, north–south (in present-day coordinates) trending Cantabrian–Asturian thrust belt during the final stages of Pangea amalgamation.     

Evolution of a Cambrian active continental margin: The Delamerian–Lachlan connection in southeastern Australia from a zircon perspective

The Early Palaeozoic Ross–Delamerian orogenic belt is considered to have formed as an active margin facing the palaeo-Pacific Ocean with some island arc collisions, as in Tasmania (Australia) and Northern Victoria Land (Antarctica), followed by terminal deformation and cessation of active convergence. On the Cambrian eastern margin of Australia adjacent to the Delamerian Fold Belt, island arc and backarc basin crust was formed and is now preserved in the Lachlan Fold Belt and is consistent with a spatial link between the Delamerian and Lachlan orogens. The Delamerian–Lachlan connection is tested with new zircon data. Metamorphic zircons from a basic eclogite sample from the Franklin Metamorphic Complex in the Tyennan region of central Tasmania have rare earth element signatures showing that eclogite metamorphism occurred at ~ 510 Ma, consistent with island arc–passive margin collision during the Delamerian(− Tyennan) Orogeny. U–Pb ages of detrital zircons have been determined from two samples of Ordovician sandstones in the Lachlan Fold Belt at Melville Point (south coast of New South Wales) and the Howqua River (western Tabberabbera Zone of eastern Victoria). These rocks were chosen because they are the first major clastic influx at the base of the Ordovician ‘Bengal-fan’ scale turbidite pile. The samples show the same prominent peaks as previously found elsewhere (600–500 Ma Pacific-Gondwana and the 1300–1000 Ma Grenville–Gondwana signatures) reflecting supercontinent formation. We highlight the presence of ~ 500 Ma non-rounded, simple zircons indicating clastic input most likely from igneous rocks formed during the Delamerian and Ross Orogenies. We consider that the most probable source of the Ordovician turbidites was in East Antarctica adjacent to the Ross Orogen rather than reflecting long distance transport from the Transgondwanan Supermountain (i.e. East African Orogen). Together with other provenance indicators such as detrital mica ages, this is a confirmation of the Delamerian–Lachlan connection.     

Post-magmatic resetting of Rb-Sr whole rock ages — a study in the Central Aar Granite (Central Alps,Switzerland)

This study investigates the post-magmatic reequilibration of Rb-Sr whole-rock isochrons in the Central Aar Granite, Aar Massif, Central Alps. A post-magmatic, preAlpine hydrothermal alteration caused rehomogenization of Sr isotopes in local subsystems of the granites by subsolidus reactions mainly involving k-feldspar. The size of these rehomogenized subsystems is dependent on rock mineralogy and chemistry. Interference between sample size, size of the rehomogenized subsystem and undisturbed magmatic system size yields a series of Rb-Sr wholerock ages intermediate between an Upper Carboniferous intrusion age and the age of a hypothetical Triassic/Liassic alteration event. The microscopic reaction textures as well as the Rb-Sr age systematics of this hydrothermal event can be distinguished from Alpine metamorphic effects.

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Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt postmagmatisch reequilibrierte Rb-Sr-Gesamtgesteinsalter aus dem Zentralen Aaregranit (Aarmassiv, Zentralalpen) vor. Eine postmagmatische, voralpine Hydrothermalüberprägung verursachte eine Sr-Isotopenhomogenisierung in lokalen Subsystemen des Granits, die sich vor allem in Subsolidus-Reaktionen von Kalifeldspat äußert. Die Größe dieser Subsysteme hängt von der Gesteinsmineralogie und -chemie ab. Zwischenwirkungen zwischen Probengröße, der Größe dieser rehomogenisierten Subsysteme und den ungestörten Systemen führen zu Rb-Sr-Gesamtgesteinsaltern, die zwischen der oberkarbonischen Intrusion und einer hypothetischen triasisch-liasischen Hydrothermal-Überprägung liegen. Die mikroskopischen Reaktionsgefüge und die Systematik der hydrothermal zurückgesetzten Rb-SrGesamtgesteinsalter können von den Auswirkungen der alpinen Metamorphose unterschieden werden.

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Résumé Ce travail présente des âges Rb-Sr sur roche totale du Granite de l'Aar (massif de l'Aar, Alpes Centrales), qui ont été rééquilibrés en phase post-magmatique. Une altération hydrothermale pré-alpine et post-magmatique est la cause de l'homogénéisation des isotopes du Sr dans des subsystèmes locaux du granite. Ces altérations se manifestent surtout par des réactions sub-solidus du feldspath potassique. La taille de ces subsystèmes dépend de la minéralogie et de la composition chimique de la roche. Les influences conjugées de la taille des échantillons, de celle du subsystème réhomogénéisé et de celle du système magmatique non perturbé sont à l'origine de l'obtention d'âges intermédiaires entre celui de l'intrusion, datée du Carbonifère supérieur, et celui d'une altération hydrothermale hypothétique à la limite Trias/Lias. Les textures microscopiques et la systématique des âges Rb-Sr rajeunis peuvent être distinguées des effets du métamorphisme alpin.

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Aar (Aaremassiv), , -. , - , - . . , , -. .

     

Re-folded structure of syn-orogenic granitoids(Padrón dome,NW Iberia):Assessing rheological evolution of cooling continental crust in a collisional setting

This contribution discusses about the rheological, kinematic and dynamic frameworks necessary to produce recumbent and upright folds from syn-orogenic granitic massifs that were formed during an early stage of magma genesis related to the onset of a migmatitic dome. Syn-kinematic granitoids occurring within the high-grade infrastructure of the Padron migmatitic dome(NW Iberia) are deformed into largescale recumbent folds(D_2) that are later affected by upright folds(D_3). Petrostructural analysis of a selected area of this dome reveals that after a period of crustal thickening(D_1), NNW-directed extensional flow gave way to recumbent folds and penetrative axial plane foliation(S_2). Superimposed subhorizontal compression resulted in upright folds(D_3). A closer view into the dynamics of the dome allows exploring the factors that may condition the nucleation of folds with contrasting geometries during progressive deformation of molten continental crust. The formation of folds affecting syn-kinematic granitoids suggests a cooling metamorphic path in migmatitic domes. Active and passive folding mechanisms require a crystallizing(cooling) magma to nucleate folds. A more competent metamorphic host inhibits fold nucleation from much less competent magmas. As it crystallizes, magma becomes more rigid(competent),and approaches viscosity values of its host. Passive folding is favored when no significant competence contrast exists between magma and host, so this folding mechanism is more likely shortly after magma genesis and emplacement. In such conditions, and under dominant subhorizontal flow accompanied by flattening(D_2),passive folding would produce isoclinal recumbent geometries. Further magma cooling introduces a shift into the rheological behavior of partially molten crust. Thereon, crystallizing magma bodies would represent significant competence contrasts relative to their host. At this point, buckling is a more likely folding mechanism, and more regular, buckle folds re-fold previous structures after significant cooling. The geometry of resulting folds is upright due to dominant subhorizontal compression(D_3) at this stage.     

Influence of Mussel Culture on the Vertical Export of Phytoplankton Carbon in a Coastal Upwelling Embayment (Ría de Vigo,NW Iberia)

The goal of this paper is to find out whether suspended mussel culture affects the vertical fluxes of biogenic particles in the Ría de Vigo on a seasonal scale. With this aim, vertical fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) and the magnitude and composition of vertical export of phytoplankton carbon (Cphyto) collected in sediment traps were examined by comparing data obtained inside a mussel farming area (RaS) with those found at a reference station (ReS) not affected by mussels. Our results indicate that mussel farming has a strong impact on sedimentation fluxes under the rafts, not only increasing POC flux but also altering the magnitude and composition of Cphyto fluxes. Average POC flux at RaS (2564?±?1936 mg m^?2 day^?1) was four times higher than at ReS (731?±?276 mg m^?2 day^?1), and much of this increase was due to biodeposit fluxes (Cbiodep) which accounted for large proportion of POC flux (35–60 %). Indeed, because of this high Cbiodep flux, only a small proportion of the POC flux was due to Cphyto flux (3–12 %). At the same time, we observed an increased sedimentation of phytoplankton cells at RaS that could be explained by a combination of mechanisms: less energetic hydrodynamic conditions under mussel rafts, ballast effect by sinking mussel feces, and diatom aggregates. Moreover, mussel farming also altered the quality of the Cphyto flux by removing part of the predatory pressure of zooplankton and thus matching diatom composition in water column and sediment traps.     

The Al (Nb,Ta) Ti(in−2) substitution in titanite: the emergence of a new species?

Summary The highest (Nb, Ta) content ever encountered in titanite is reported from the Maríkov 11 pegmatite in northern Moravia, Czech Republic. This dike is a member of a pegmatite swarm of the beryl-columbite subtype, metamorphosed under conditions of the amphibolite facies. The pegmatite carries, i.a., rare tantalian rutile intergrown with titanian ixiolite, titanian columbite-tantalite, fersmite and microlite. Fissures generated in the Nb, Ta oxide minerals during deformation are filled with titanite, formed by reaction of the oxide minerals with metamorphic pore fluids. The titanite displays limited degrees of substitutions Na(Ta > Nb)(CaTi)_–1, (Ta > Nb)₄Ti_–4Si_–1 and AI(OH, F)(TiO)_–1, but an extensive (and occasionally the sole significant) substitution (Al > Fe³⁺)(Ta > Nb)Ti_–2, responsible for widespread oscillatory zoning. This substitution reduces the proportion of the titanite componentsensu stricto, CaTiSiO₄,O, to less than 50 mole % in many analyzed spots. The extreme composition corresponds to (Ca_0.994Na_0.011)(Ti_0.436Sn_0.007Al_0.280Fe³⁺ _0.006Ta_0.199Nb_0.079)Si_0.988O₄(O_0.974F_0.026). However, so far this substitution fails to generate compositions that would define a new species.

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Zusammenfassung Die AI(Nb, Ta)Ti_–2 Substitution im Titanit: Auftauchen einer neuen Mineralspecies? Die höchsten (Nb, Ta) Gehalte, die jemals für Titanit gefunden wurden, werden für den Maríkov II Pegmatit in Nordmähren, Tschechei, berichtet. Der Intrusivgang ist Teil eines Amphibolit-faziell überprägten Pegmatitschwarms vom Beryll-Columbit Subtypus Der Pegmatit führt u.a. seltene tantalbetonte Rutile verwachsen mit titanbetontem Ixiolith, titanbetontem Columbit-Tantalit, Fersmit and Mikrolith. Deformationsbedingte Frakturen in den (Nb, Ta) Oxiden sind mit Titanit, als Folge der Reaktion der metamorphen Porenlösungen mit den Oxidmineralen, verkittet. Titanit zeigt begrenzte Substitutionen Na(Ta > Nb)(CaTi)_–1,(Ta > Nb)₄Ti_–4Si_–1 and Al(OH, F)(TiO)_–1, aber extensive (und gelegentlich einzig bedeutsame) Substitution (Al >> Fe³⁺)(Ta > Nb)Ti_–2, die eine weitverbreitete, oszillierende Zonierung hervorruft. Diese Substitution verringert den Anteil der Titanit-Komponentesensu stricto, CaTiSiO,O, auf weniger als 50 Mol% in vielen Analysen. Die Extremzusammensetzung entspricht Ca_0.994Na_0.11) (T_10.436Sn_0.007Al_0.280Fe³⁺ _0.006Ta_0.199Nb_0.079)Si_0.988O₄(O_0.974F_0.026). Das AusmaB dieser Substitution ist unzureichend, um eine neue Mineralspecies zu definieren.

     

High-Ti amphibole as a petrogenetic indicator of magma chemistry: evidence for mildly alkalic-hybrid melts during evolution of Variscan basic–ultrabasic magmatism of Central Iberia

Central Iberian Variscan granite batholiths and anatectic complexes are punctuated by coeval stocks of hydrous, high-K calc-alkaline, ultrabasic to intermediate rock series. Despite their overall calc-alkaline affinity, the mafic–ultramafic members contain high-Ti amphibole oikocrysts rimmed by lower-Ti amphibole ± cummingtonite and high-Ti amphibole replacing early phlogopite. To understand the factors controlling the saturation of high-Ti amphibole in the parental magmas, clinopyroxene-melt, phlogopite-melt and amphibole-melt relationships are reviewed. This analysis reveals that for melts with intermediate compositions, the affinity of TiO₂ for amphibole rises in alkalic magmas. Accordingly, mildly alkalic trachytoid to subalkaline medium- to high-K andesite and dacite compositions are estimated for interstitial high-Ti amphibole-saturated melts. Amphibole Ce/Pb ratios reveal a mantle–crust hybrid nature for interstitial melts with subalkaline trachytoid compositions. The hydrous character of the Variscan basic magmas favoured an overall magmatic evolutionary trend with a low rate of variation of Na₂O with respect to silica during amphibole crystallization. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The growth of “black crusts” on calcareous building stones in Palermo (Sicily): a first appraisal of anthropogenic and natural sulphur sources

Chemical, mineralogical and isotopic composition (³⁴S/³²S) analyses were carried out on “black crusts” developed on the old buildings of Palermo (Sicily) with the aim to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic sulphur sources. Furthermore individual samples of total suspended particulate (TSP) were collected and analysed in order to estimate the influence of air pollution on the decay process of calcareous stones in a typical southern Mediterranean coastal environment. SEM/EDS analysis, X-ray diffractometry, IR spectroscopy and liquid chromatography led to the compositional characterization of “black crusts” and airborne particulate matter in the city. Sulphur isotopic compositions of gypsum-bearing crusts showed a prevailing contribution of anthropogenic sources (vehicle exhaust and other combustion processes). Natural sulphur and/or sulphate sources (biogenic and/or sea-spray) were shown to play a secondary role. These data can be considered a starting point for the determination of the rate of growth of “black crusts” in a coastal Mediterranean urban environment like Palermo. In the future, they might be useful to local authorities for planning more efficient maintenance action in order to slow as much as possible the rate of decay of the monumental heritage of the city.     

Nitrate pollution of groundwater in the alsatian plain (France)—A multidisciplinary study of an agricultural area: The Central Ried of the ill river

The area studied is part of the Ried Central of the Ill river (Middle Alsatian plain in northeastern France). This area is located mainly in the present floodplain of the Ill. The closeness of the water table to the surface results in quasi general soil hydromorphism.The economic constraints of the last two decades led to deep changes in agricultural activities in the study area. These have essentially involved a marked extension of intensive cultivation of grain corn at the expense of grasslands. The study of the influence of this change on the parallel increase in the concentration of nitrate in groundwater is only feasible when a multidisciplinary approach is adopted.The analyses carried out in the field and in the laboratory show that nitrate reduction occurs in gleyed or peaty horizons of hydromorphic soils. The aptitude and efficiency of the permanent ambient vegetation (alluvial forests and grasslands) in retaining nitrate must be emphasized. The amount of nitrate eliminated from the aquifer by rivers fed by this aquifer is considerable. This evacuation of nitrate into the Ill is a fine example of waste and illustrates the absurdity of the economic situation responsible for excessive nitrogen fertilization of farmlands.In determining hazard zones, this study also proposes practical solutions to the problem of nitrate pollution: diminution of land area under cultivation, reintroduction of grasslands, and a more judicious use of nitrogen manure.     

The mineral springs of the Scrajo spa (Sorrento peninsula,Italy): a case of “natural” seawater intrusion

This paper deals with the mineral springs feeding the Scrajo spa in the Sorrento peninsula southeast of Naples, approximately 6 km from Castellammare di Stabia, another spa location. The Scrajo mineral water is sulphureous, salt-bromine-iodic and CO₂-rich. The two hydromineral areas fall within the groundwater basin of Mt. Faito formed chiefly by limestones. Due to the high permeability of the limestones, there is considerable rainwater infiltration which recharges a basal fresh groundwater resting on denser seawater. This groundwater body feeds the mineral springs of the Scrajo spa, the springs of Castellammare di Stabia and some submarine springs. All the data gathered for the Scrajo springs led to propose the following mineralisation scheme: (1) The basal fresh groundwater of Mt. Faito (on underlying seawater) receives endogenous contributions of CO₂ and H₂S which cause a “natural” seawater intrusion within the fresh groundwater; (2) The upwelling of gases would appear to occur via the major faults which bound Sorrento peninsula to the NW; (3) During the year, the chemistry of the springs changes according to different degrees of seawater intrusion: the minimum occurs in June and the maximum in November. The close interaction between the sea and the Scrajo’s mineral waters (but also those of Castellammare di Stabia) highlights their particular vulnerability not only to over-extraction of groundwater but also to climate change. Finally, a hypothesis is presented to explain the connection between the mineral waters rich in CO₂ and H₂S and the concentration of karst phenomena observed in the Scrajo area.