The October 4th, 1983 — Magnitude 4 earthquake in Phlegraean Fields: Macroseismic survey

On Oct. 4th, 1983 the area of Phlegraean Fields, near Naples (Southern Italy) was shaked by an earthquake of magnitude (M _L) 4.0 that caused some damage in the town of Pozzuoli and its surroundings. This seismic event was the largest one recorded during the recent (1982–84) inflation episode occurred in the Phlegraean volcanic area, and a detailed macroseismic reconstruction of the event was carried out.Failing macroseismic data on other earthquakes occurred in Phlegraean Fields, the attenuation law of the intensity as a function of the distance as obtained for the Oct. 4th earthquake was compared with those obtained for other volcanic areas in central Italy —i.e., Tolfa, Monte Amiata — in order to check the reliability of the results obtained for Phlegraean Fields.The Blake's model of the earthquake of Oct. 4th, 1983 does not agree with the experimental data because isoseismals contain areas larger than those shown by the model. This result has been interpreted as an effect of energy focusing due to a reflecting layer 6–8 km deep.     

A gravity and magnetic study of the volcanic island of Ischia, Naples (Italy)

Gravity and magnetic data for the volcanic island of Ischia, Naples, Italy, have been analyzed and interpreted in light of recent geological and volcanological data to define a model of the island's shallow and deep structures. From the interpretation of the gravity data it appears that the shallow structures consist of pyroclastic material (p=2.0 g/cm³). Within these pyroclastics there are domes and lava flows of higher density and eruptive centres filled with lower density material. The basement is a “horst” with the shallowest depth at about 1.0 km, south of the centre of the island, if we assign a density contrast of 0.5 g/cm³ relative to the above pyroclastics.Interpretation of magnetic data measured at 725 stations showed that the basement derived from the gravity interpretation is magnetized. Moreover, this basement is less magnetized on the western side of Ischia which may be caused by the anomalous thermal state of the area, as indicated by surface fumaroles, hot springs etc. and temperature measurements in deep drillings.     

Ground deformation and gravity changes accompanying the 1982 Pozzuoli uplift

During the summer of 1982 a continuous uplift began at Phlegraean Fields, an active volcanic area in southern Italy (Fig. 1), that persisted up to September 1984. The uplift, which reached a maximum value of about 160 cm in the central part of the Phlegraean caldera, was characterized by variable velocity and occurred within an area that extended about 7 km outward from the town of Pozzuoli (Fig. 1); the surface deformation performs a bell-shape pattern.The uplift was accompanied by horizontal displacements and gravity changes that closely correlate with the described elevation changes.The horizontal displacements displayed an anomalous pattern within a narrow belt about 1 km from the center of the uplift and approximately coincident with the area of maximum seismic activity. The change in gravity is attributed primarily to a free-air effect to which a small Bouguer effect must be added.Several models have been invoked in order to explain the observed phenomenon. The one which gives the best fit to the observed data is an increasing pressure source of radial simmetry, at a constant depth of about 3 km beneath the town of Pozzuoli, and having a diameter of several hundred meters. Migration of magma at depth is believed to be responsible for the observed activity in the Phlegraean Fields caldera.     

Geothermal energy release at the Solfatara of Pozzuoli (Phlegraean Fields): Phreatic and phreatomagmatic explosion risk implications

The H₂O, CO₂ and H₂S outputs at the Solfatara of Pozzuoli have been measured and a map of the exhaling areas has also been made. The energy released at the surface by the fluids has been estimated to be 10¹⁹ ergs/day.The presence of aquifers at Phlegraean Fields increases the phreatic and phreatomagmatic explosion risk.Our results suggest that even if an uprising magma may interact with water at depth, an explosion could occur only at the shallow levels of a few hundred meters. Since the transfer of energy toward the surface is favoured by the presence of fractures, a detailed analysis of the deep fracture network would help to evaluate the risk levels of the various areas of Phlegraean Fields.     

3D upper crustal density structure of the Deccan Syneclise,Central India

A constrained 3D density model of the upper crust along a part of the Deccan Syneclise is carried out based on the complete Bouguer anomaly data. Spectral analysis of the complete Bouguer gravity anomaly map of the study region suggests two major sources: short wavelength anomalies (<100 km) caused primarily due to the density inhomogeneities at shallow crustal level and long wavelength anomalies (>100 km) produced due to the sources deeper than the upper crust. A residual map of the short wavelength anomalies is prepared from the complete Bouguer anomaly using Butterworth high‐pass filter (100 km cut‐off wavelength). Utilizing the constraints from deep resistivity sounding, magnetotellurics and deep seismic sounding studies, 2.5D density models have been generated along 39 profiles of this region. The mismatch between the calculated response of the a priori 2.5D model with the residual (short wavelength) gravity anomalies is minimized by introducing high‐density intrusive bodies (≥2.81 g/cm³) in the basement. With these 2.5D density models, the initial geometry of our 3D density model, which includes alluvium, Deccan trap, Mesozoic sediment and high‐density intrusive bodies in the basement up to a depth of 7 km (upper crust), is generated. In the final 3D model, Deccan trap extends from 200 m to nearly 1700 m below the 90–150 m thick Quaternary sediment. Further down, the sub‐trappean Mesozoic sediment is present at a depth range of 600–3000 m followed by the basement. The derived 3D density model also indicates six intrusive bodies of density 2.83 g/cm³ in the basement at an average depth of about 4–7 km that best fits the residual gravity anomaly of the study area.     

南极洲东部普里兹湾海域重磁场特征及地壳结构

普里兹湾位于南极洲东部大陆边缘,其深部地壳结构特征对认识白垩纪冈瓦纳古陆裂解和新生代大陆边缘形成具有重要意义.本文利用重磁、多道反射地震、声纳浮标折射地震和ODP钻井数据对普里兹湾海域的深部地壳结构进行了研究.研究结果显示,普里兹凹陷表现为典型的盆地负重力异常特征,其沉积基底较深,而在四夫人浅滩为高幅重力正异常,其沉积基底普遍抬升.在大陆架中部存在SW-NE向条带状基底的抬升,且呈朝NE向逐渐变深的趋势.在中大陆架外侧,均衡残余重力异常呈V字形负异常条带状分布,其两翼分别与四夫人浅滩和弗拉姆浅滩外的大陆坡相连.该异常带在大陆架中部向陆的偏移可能是由于古大陆架边缘的地形影响,推测其与普里兹冲积扇同属于洋陆过渡带向陆的部分,在重力模拟剖面表现为地壳向海逐渐减薄.普里兹冲积扇的地壳厚度较薄,平均为6 km,最薄处可达4.6 km,并且根据洋陆过渡带向海端的位置,推测可能属于接近洋壳厚度的过渡壳.重力异常分区的走向与兰伯特地堑在普里兹湾的构造走向基本一致,可能主要反映了二叠纪-三叠纪超级地幔柱对普里兹湾的裂谷作用的影响.该区域的自由空间重力异常和均衡残余异常均表现为超过100×10^-5m/s²的高幅正异常特征,可能由位于大陆架边缘的巨厚沉积体负载在高强度岩石圈之上的区域挠曲均衡作用所导致,可能与该区域第二期裂谷期之后的沉积间断以及快速进积加厚的演化过程有关.普里兹湾磁力异常的走向与重力异常明显不同,大致可分为东北高幅正异常区和西南低幅异常区.重磁异常在走向上的差异反映高磁异常主要来源于岩浆作用形成的铁镁质火成岩的影响,并且岩浆作用的时代不同于基底隆升的时代,而可能形成于前寒武纪或者南极洲和印度板块裂谷期间(白垩纪).     

3-D gravity and magnetic interpretation for the Haifa Bay area (Israel)

Recently observed features in the subsurface geology of the Haifa Bay area (northern Israel) have been evaluated using 3-D forward gravity and magnetic modeling and inversion schemes. The interpretation is based on updated petrophysical data of the Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary sedimentary layers and volcanics. It has been shown that the Bouguer gravity anomalies correspond mainly to thickness variations in the Senonian to Tertiary sediments. The gravity effect of these sediments was calculated using their actual densities and structural setting as interpreted from seismic reflection data. This effect was removed from the Bouguer gravity in order to study the pre-Senonian geological structures. The pattern of residual gravity anomalies (named “stripped gravity”) is essentially different from the pattern of the Bouguer gravity. The prominent Carmel gravity high, clearly seen on the Bouguer gravity map, completely vanishes on the “stripped” gravity map. That suggests that this relatively positive anomaly is caused by the considerable thickness of the low-density young sediments in the surrounding areas and does not correspond to high-density magmatic rocks or crystalline basement uplift as previously suggested. The average densities of the Jurassic and Cretaceous volcanics are generally lower then those of the background sedimentary rocks. Volcanics are the main cause for magnetic anomalies onshore and offshore northern Israel. The magmatic root of the Asher volcanics is, most probably, located close to the Yagur fault. A large, deep-seated gabbroic intrusion is assumed to be located under the Mediterranean abyssal plain in the NW part of the study area. The Atlit marine gravity low appears to be caused by a thick Mesozoic and Tertiary sedimentary accumulation. The results presented should be of considerable assistance in delineating some aspects of hydrocarbon exploration in the area.     

A preliminary study of stress pattern at Phlegraean Fields as inferred from focal mechanisms

Thirty-seven selected earthquakes which occurred in Phlegraean Fields from April to December 1983 are investigated from the focal mechanism point of view in order to attempt a preliminary representation of the stress pattern in the area. From 37 earthquakes, 15 reliable solutions were obtained. Ten mechanisms for events located around the Solfatara crater are of tensional type; 2 located in the Gulf of Pozzuoli seem to be compressive. No predominant orientation ofP andT axes seem to occur. Evidently, a more accurate analysis with a greater number of data — in particular for compressive events — is necessary in order to resolve a detailed map of stress pattern.     

Seismic coda Q and turbidity coefficient at the Phlegraean Fields volcanic area: Preliminary results

Digital recordings of microearthquake codas from shallow seismic events in the Phlegraean Fields region (south-central Italy) were used to calculate the attenuation factor Q_c.A quite unusual frequency dependence was found for the coda attenuation comparable to Hawaii pattern of Q_c. This is interpreted as due to the presence of magma that increases the amount of anelasticity. Amount of scattering at Phlegraean Fields was estimated through the « turbidity » coefficient (Dainty model), that shows a high degree of scattering due to inhomogeneities as compared to Hawaii. Probably this is due to the greater crustal thickness of Phlegraean Fields with respect to Hawaii that produces more scattering.     

Interpretation of gravity and magnetic anomalies near Naples,Italy, using computer techniques

Some aspects of the analytical procedure for an automatic fitting of gravity and magnetic anomalies are discussed. An example of application relative to the Campania volcanic district near Naples, Italy, is reported. Gravity anomalies in that area mainly reflect the depth to the carbonate basement rocks. A small gravity high over Vesuvius may indicate buried volcanic layers. Magnetic anomalies near L. Patria and Castel Volturno are interpreted to be caused by buried intrusive rocks of higher susceptibility. Computer models of subsurface rock units with appropriate densities and susceptibilities have been generated to match the observed anomalies.     

Seismic images and rock properties of the very shallow structure of Campi Flegrei caldera (southern Italy)

In September 2001, an extensive active-seismic investigation (Serapis experiment) was carried out in the Gulfs of Naples and Pozzuoli, with the aim of investigating and reconstructing the shallow crustal structure of the Campi Flegrei caldera, and possibly identifying its feeding system at depth. The present study provides a joint analysis of the very shallow seismic reflection data and tomographic images based on the Serapis dataset. This is achieved by reflection seismic sections obtained by the 3D data gathering and through refined P-velocity images of the shallowest layer of Pozzuoli Gulf (z < 1,000 m). From the refined Vp model, the overall picture of the velocity distribution confirms the presence of a complex arc-shaped anomaly that borders the bay offshore. The deeper part of the anomaly (beneath 700 m, with Vp > 3,500 m/s) correlates with units made up of agglomerate tuffs and interbedded lava, which form the southern edge of the caldera, which was probably formed following the two large ignimbritic eruptions that marked the evolutionary history of the area under study. The upper part of the anomaly that tends to split into two parallel arcs is correlated with dikes, volcanic mounds and hydrothermal alteration zones noted in previous shallow reflection seismic analyses. The depth of the transition between the upper and lower parts of the anomaly is characterized by an abrupt Vp increase on the one-dimensional (1D) profiles extracted from the 3D tomographic model and by the presence of a strong reflector located at about 0.6/0.7 s Two Way Time (TWT) on Common Mid Point gathers. The move-out velocity analysis and stack of the P–P and P–S reflections at the layer bottom allowed to estimate relatively high Vp/Vs values (3.7 ± 0.9). This hypothesis has been tested by a theoretical rock physical modeling of the Vp/Vs ratio as a function of porosity suggesting that the shallow layer is likely formed by incoherent, water saturated, volcanic and marine sediments that filled Pozzuoli Bay during the post-caldera activity.     

Geochemical surveillance of the Solfatara of Pozzuoli (Phlegraean Fields) during 1983

Geochemical surveillance of the Phlegraean Fields area has been intensified since 1983, in response to the increased uplift rate (brady-seismic activity).Fumarolic gases from Solfatara (Pozzuoli) were sampled and analyzed monthly. A Reducing Capacity (RC) monitoring unit was installed at Soffione, the most active fumarole in the Solfatara system.The preliminary analysis of the RC temporal variations suggest they are consistent with the rate of the seismic energy release.The composition of fumarolic gases indicates that the equilibrium temperature and pressure are higher than those of sampling.The observed variations in CH₄ content are explained as an increase of pressure (from 1982 to the end of 1983) of about 70% at an extimated depth of 3–3.5 km.Finally, during 1983, there were no geochemical indications of both rising magma and significant accumulation of energy at shallow depth.     

Magnetotelluric survey in the bradyseismic area of Phlegraean Fields

A magnetotelluric survey was carried out in order to contribute to the definition of the deep structure of the Phlegraean Fields area affected by the bradyseismic crisis begun in the summer 1982. In a preliminary campaign carried out in autumn 1983, the MT measurements were made in eight sites, located between 0.3 and 5 km from the Harbour of Pozzuoli and affected by different degrees of uplift.In a second campaign (autumn, 1984) seven of the first eight MT soundings were repeated and four new sites were investigated, one of which located in a stable zone 10 km away from Pozzuoli.MT measurements show the presence of a thick conductive layer (<1 m) thinned underneath the town of Pozzuoli, where its top reaches the minimum depth (1.2–2 km). The upper horizon of this layer has a greater concavity than that produced by surface deformation. Below the conductive layer, the substratum became progressively more resistive with depth. This resistive basement is well defined in the soundings located far away from Pozzuoli. Here, on the contrary, a zone or body much more conductive than its surroundings is detected. This conductive body could correspond to a high temperature magmatic intrusion, probably already solidified, with a rough cylindrical shape with a base diameter of 1.5±0.5 km.Introducing into the obtained model the depth of the conductive horizon desumed from the deep geothermal wells, the top of the intrusive body would lye at 3–4 km depth.A small uplift of this body related to tectonic readjustments eventually induced by strong earthquakes recently occurred in near zones could explain the surface deformation observed during the present bradyseismic crisis.     

The Alpha Ridge: Gravity, seismic and magnetic evidence for a homogenous, mafic crust

Gravity and bathymetric results from the 1983 Canadian Expedition to Study the Alpha Ridge (CESAR) have outlined positive free-air anomalies centred on the continental break off Ellesmere Island characteristic of normal Atlantic-type passive margins. These data confirm implications derived from depth-to-magnetic basement calculations that the ridge may not be structurally connected to the continent. Across the Alpha Ridge magnetic and gravity anomalies mimic the bathymetry. The magnetic anomalies apparently are not caused, to any great extent, by internal structures or magnetic reversals, but rather seem to result simply from variations in depths to a homogenous magnetic structure. The gravity anomalies across a 500 km wide section of the Alpha Ridge can be almost completely accounted for by topography, shallow sedimentary fill and a simple two-tier crustal model. This implies an extraordinary lateral density homogeneity unknown in continental structures of comparable size. Gravity models show the crustal thickness to increase gradually from 20 km at the Marvin Spur to 38 km at the ridge crest. A comparison of this model with a gravity model of the continental-type Lomonosov Ridge, which has a thickness of about 25 km, indicates that, at the same thickness of 25 km, the average crustal density of the Alpha Ridge is 0.08 Mg/m³ greater. These gravity constraints, the unusually homogenous seismic velocity structure revealed by the CESAR studies, the homogeneous magnetic structure, and the extraordinary high intensity satellite magnetic anomaly associated with the Alpha Ridge, indicate that the ridge may be composed of a large pile of mafic rock, possibly unique on this planet.     

Structure and evolution of the Bay of Pozzuoli (Italy) using marine seismic reflection data: implications for collapse of the Campi Flegrei caldera

Digital marine seismic reflection data acquired in 1973 in the Bay of Pozzuoli, and recently reprocessed, were used to study the volcanological evolution of the marine sector of Campi Flegrei Caldera during the last 37 ka. In order to gain more information, interpretation also involved estimation of the "pseudo-velocity" and the "pseudo-density" from the resistivity logs of two onshore deep exploration wells. The main results are: (1) discovery of ancient pre-18 ka and post-37 ka submarine and mainly effusive volcanic activity, along coeval emission centers located at the edges of Campi Flegrei Caldera; (2) confirmation that the caldera collapse in the marine sector of Campi Flegrei seems strongly controlled by regional NE–SW and NW–SE structural discontinuities; (3) the finding of at least two episodes of collapse in the bay; and (4) identification of a post-18 ka volcanic deflation phase that has caused about 150–200 m of subsidence in the central sector of the Bay of Pozzuoli in the last 18 ka.Editorial responsibilty: T. Druitt     

The subsurface structure of the AIRA caldera and its vicinity in Southern Kyushu, Japan

Southern Kyushu, Japan, includes a chain of large and small calderas and active volcanoes, and the greatest part of it is covered with thick pyroclastic ejecta. The regional and local structures of this area are discussed from the standpoint of physical volcanology, with consideration of all available data.The regional structure of this area is examined in the light of gravity and geomagnetic anomalies. Two layers of the earth's uppermost crust are defined by spectrum analysis of the gravity anomalies. These two layers are identical with the two identified by seismicwave velocities. The Bouguer gravity anomalies are relatively high and rather monotonous over outcrops of the Mesozoic basement and the granite, but are relatively low and perturbed over calderas and caldera-like structures. Two low-gravity anomalies in Kagoshima Bay are remarkable. One is circular, with its center on the Aira caldera. The other is elongated between the Satsuma and Oosumi peninsulas. The southern end of the latter anomaly is occupied by the Ata caldera. Discussion of the gravity anomalies of the Aira caldera suggests that the subsurface basement has a funnel shape and is overlain by ‘fallback’. The sub bottom geology of the caldera suggests that it is formed by a few smaller depressions, though the distribution of the overall gravity anomalies is parallel with its shape.The southern part of Kagoshima Bay is characterized by a graben-like topography and low-gravity anomalies and, moreover, by several calderas. The middle part, between the Aira and Ata calderas, may have a graben-like structure. A profile crossing the bay through Sakurajima volcano is modeled on the basis of results from drilling and gravity surveys. The basement has a graben-like structure and is filled with coarse and low-density deposits, and the structure continues northwards to the Aira caldera with a funnel shape.A comparison of this area with the Taupo-Rotorua depression in New Zealand and Lake Toba in Indonesia, leads the authors to the conclusion that such major volcanic depressions may have been formed by amalgamation of a series of caldera-like structures which were formed by multiple violent explosions accompanied by ejection of a tremendous amount of pyroclastic material.     

A model of the Phlegraean Fields magma chamber in the last 10,500 years

Volcanological and petrological data suggest that the Phlegraean Fields volcanic activity has been fed, at least in the last 10,500 years, by a not-refilled magma chamber where trachytic residual liquids were produced by fractionation of a trachybasaltic magma. Using estimated volumes of the erupted products andP–T data obtained through petrological studies, a conductive thermal model of the chamber was built up in order to estimate its past and present size. Results suggest a volume decrease from approximately 14 to 1.4 km³ of the trachybasaltic magma in 10,500 years. Trachytic liquid would also be present in the chamber in a minimum amount of 0.4 km³. The model allowed some insights on the petrogenesis of the Phlegraean trachytes, suggesting that they were erupted as liquids because thermally buffered within the magma chamber.     

Interaction between caldera collapse and eruptive dynamics during the Campanian Ignimbrite eruption,Phlegraean Fields,Italy

The Campanian Ignimbrite (36000 years B.P.) was produced by the explosive eruption of at least 80 km³ DRE of trachytic ash and pumice which covered most of the southern Italian peninsula and the eastern Mediterranean region. The eruption has been related to the 12-x15-km-diameter caldera located in the Phlegraean Fields, west of Naples. Proximal deposits on the periphery of the Phlegraean Fields comprise the following pyroclastic sequence from base to top: densely welded ignimbrite and lithic-rich breccias (unit A); sintered ignimbrite, low-grade ignimbrite and lithic-rich breccia (unit B); lithic-rich breccia and spatter agglutinate (unit C); and low-grade ignimbrite (unit D). Stratigraphic and componentry data, as well as distribution of accidental lithic types and the composition of pumice clasts of different units, indicate that coarse, lithic-rich breccias were emplaced at different stages during the eruption. Lower breccias are associated with fines-rich ignimbrites and are interpreted as co-ignimbrite lag breccia deposits. The main breccia unit (C) does not grade into a fines-rich ignimbrite, and therefore is interpreted as formed from a distinct lithic-rich flow. Units A and B exhibit a similar pattern of accidental lithic types, indicating that they were erupted from the same area, probably in the E of the caldera. Units C and D display a distinct pattern of lithics indicating expulsion from vent(s) that cut different areas. We suggest that unit C was ejected from several vents during the main stage of caldera collapse. Field relationships between spatter agglutinate and the breccia support the possibility that these deposits were erupted contemporaneously from vents with different eruptive style. The breccia may have resulted from a combination of magmatic and hydrothermal explosive activity that accompanied extensive fracturing and subsidence of the magma-chamber roof. The spatter rags probably derived from sustained and vigorous pyroclastic fountains. We propose that the association lithic-rich breccia and spatter agglutinate records the occurrence of catastrophic piecemeal collapse.     

A REGIONAL GRAVITY STUDY OF THE NORTHERN NORTH SEA (56–62° N)*

A Bouguer gravity anomaly map is presented of the North Sea and adjacent land areas in Norway and Denmark, covering an area situated between 56° and 62°N, 1°W and 10°E. The gravity data from the UK sector of the North Sea, the land and offshore areas of Denmark, and the land areas of Norway have been published before. However, the gravity data from the Norwegian sector of the North Sea are new. A large number (about 60) of individual gravity features can be defined in the mapped area. Most of those situated in the UK sector of the North Sea and on land in Norway have been discussed earlier; however, most of the anomalies found elsewhere which are qualitatively interpreted here have not been discussed before. An interpreted Bouguer anomaly map is presented which identifies all these features. The majority of the gravity anomalies encountered in the mapped area can be shown to be associated with one of the following geological features: (i) basement highs, (ii) large bodies of heavy basic or ultrabasic rock in the crystalline basement, (iii) large igneous intrusions within the sedimentary column and thick accumulations of volcanic rocks or their associated eruption centers, (iv) major basement faults. Large-scale geological structures such as the Central, Viking and Sogn Grabens and the East Shetland, Stord, Forth Approaches and Norwegian-Danish Basins are essentially in isostatic equilibrium and are only locally marked by relatively weak gravity minima. A residual gravity anomaly map has been produced by subtracting from the observed Bouguer anomalies the estimated gravity effect of an assumed thinned crust. This residual gravity anomaly map shows a number of features of the Bouguer anomaly field with greater clarity.     

Sea gravity data in the Gulf of Naples. A contribution to delineating the structural pattern of the Phlegraean Volcanic District

Bathymetric and gravity surveys were carried out from 1988 to 1994, in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy) to offshore extend the already existing Bouguer anomaly map. In order to improve the knowledge of the structural setting beneath the active Neapolitan volcanoes (Vesuvio, Campi Flegrei and Ischia), 862 stations were surveyed within the isobath of 400 m; at the same time, and about 2000 on-land gravity values were also collected. A new Bouguer anomaly map spanning the whole volcanic region was drawn from the final data set. Gravity anomalies were referred to the new absolute gravity station in Naples and computed according to 1980 Geodetic Reference System. Finally, a density value of 2200 kg/m³ was used in the computation of the Bouguer and terrain effects. We carried out the inversion of the gravity anomalies adopting a 2.5-D modelling along selected profiles crossing the investigated area. The interpretative models were constrained to data obtained from deep wells and other geophysical investigations.