The meaning of magmatic differentiation in some recent volcanoes of central Italy

The influence of volcanic processes on magmatic differentiation can be evidenced by the study of some of the most typical volcanoes of post-orogenic magmatism of Central Italy. It has been recognized that a close relationship exists between degree and type of differentiation on one hand, and structure and evolution of volcanic edifices as well as shape of their magmatic chambers on the other. The effect of the structural features of volcanic apparata on the magmatic differentiation is often so strong as to obliterate the original genetic characters of the magma. It was seen that, in Central Italy, magmas of «atlantic» affinities differentiating from basalt to trachyte, can turn to magmas of strong « mediterranean » affinities in the more superficial volcanic environments.