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Over the past two decades, the airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system has become a useful tool for acquiring high-resolution topographic data, especially in active tectonics studies. Analyzing Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) from LiDAR exposes morpho-structural elements, aiding in the understanding of fault zones, among other applications. Despite its effectiveness, challenges persist in regions with rapid deformation, dense vegetation, and human impact. We propose an adapted workflow transitioning from the conventional airborne LiDAR system to the usage of drone-based LiDAR technology for higher-resolution data acquisition. Additionally, drones offer a more cost-effective solution, both in an initial investment and ongoing operational expenses. Our goal is to demonstrate how drone-based LiDAR enhances the identification of active deformation features, particularly for earthquake-induced surface faulting. To evaluate the potential of our technique, we conducted a drone-based LiDAR survey in the Casamicciola Terme area, north of Ischia Island, Italy, known for the occurrence of destructive shallow earthquakes, including the 2017 Md = 4 event. We assessed the quality of our acquired DTM by comparing it with existing elevation datasets for the same area. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each DTM product in relation to our results, particularly when applied to fault mapping. By analyzing derivative DTM products, we identified the fault scarps within the Casamicciola Holocene Graben (CHG) and mapped its structural geometry in detail. The analysis of both linear and areal geomorphic features allowed us to identify the primary factors influencing the current morphological arrangement of the CHG area. Our detailed map depicts a nested graben formed by two main structures (the Maio and Sentinella faults) and minor internal faults (the Purgatorio and Nizzola faults). High-resolution DEMs acquired by drone-based LiDAR facilitated detailed studies of the geomorphology and fault activity. A similar approach can be applied in regions where the evidence of high slip-rate faults is difficult to identify due to vegetation cover and inaccessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first hydrogeological mapping of Ischia Island at the 1:10,000 scale is presented and discussed. The 'Map of the geohydrologic units of Ischia Island' and the accompanying hydrostratigraphic sequence at a basin scale are based on the most recent geological maps and data from the CAR.G Project, and on new volcanological and hydrogeological surveys and studies. Data sources include the database stored by the INGV, Sezione di Napoli, Osservatorio Vesuviano and field investigations, including a survey of the springs and thermo-mineral springs which has been neglected up to now. In total 130 volcanostratigraphic units and 18 geohydrologic units were recognized; the distribution of fumaroles sites was enhanced, and 60 springs/thermal springs were identified/rediscovered. The proposed hydrogeological map provides an overview of the volcano-tectonic evolution of Ischia Island and upgrades the hydrogeological model, becoming a catalyst for the effort to acquire better data and to manage natural both resources and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the 26th of November 2022, as a consequence of heavy rainfall, diffuse landslides were triggered in the Northern sector of Ischia. The present study investigated the main features of the debris flow originated in a small catchment basin falling within the Casamicciola Terme Municipality. The debris flow, triggered around 05:00 a.m. from the Northern slope of Mt. Epomeo, travelled about 850 m before impacting a populated area. In detail, it affected about 30 buildings causing 12 casualties and several injured, more than 200 people displaced, and severe damages to the road network, resulting one of the most destructive landslide events occurred on the island. This multidisciplinary work, aimed at a preliminary assessment of the event, considered geological and geomorphological evidence collected during a field investigation, as well as environmental data, to set up numerical models both for landslide triggering and propagation. Along the pre-existing channel, a marked erosional behaviour was observed with a maximum removed thickness of about 5.5 m, whilst the material deposition largely occurred after the impact on buildings. The total volume mobilised by the debris flow was estimated in approximately 40,000 m3. Considering the geological and geomorphological conditions, as well as the high vulnerability and the socio-economic importance of the area, a careful monitoring and risk management activities in the next months will be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a joined multitemporal and multiscale analysis of ground vertical movements around the main seismogenic source of Ischia island (Southern Italy) that, during historical and recent time, generated the most catastrophic earthquakes on the island, in its northern sector (Casamicciola fault). In particular, we considered InSAR (2015–2019) and ground-levelling data (1987–2010), attempting to better define the source that caused the recent 2017 earthquake and interpret its occurrence in the framework of a long-term behavior of the fault responsible for the major historical earthquakes in Casamicciola. Our results unambiguously constrain the location and the kinematics of the 2017 rupture and further confirm the presence of a relatively large sliding area west of the 2017 surface break. Overall, the studied seismogenic fault reveals a complex dynamic, moving differentially and aseismically in the pre- and post-seismic event, in response to the long-term subsidence of the central sector of the island, dominated by Mt. Epomeo. The fault segment that slipped coseismically also is evidence of post-seismic viscous relaxation. The long-term differential vertical movement on the apparently creeping eastern sector of the Casamicciola fault provides an estimate of the slip rate occurring on the fault (0.82 mm/y−1). The analysis of the time of occurrence and the magnitude of the known historical earthquakes reveals that this rate is consistent with the recurrence of the earthquakes that occurred during at least the past three centuries and suggests that the time to the next seismic event at Casamicciola might be a few decades. More generally, our findings provide evidence of the link between subsidence and earthquakes in volcanic areas indicating, in this case, a high hazard for the island of Ischia. Results might be also useful for characterizing capable faulting in similar volcano-tectonic settings worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 26th November 2022, a heavy cloudburst affected Ischia Island (Southern Italy) causing a flash flood and triggering several flowslides. The most affected municipality was Casamicciola Terme, where this event produced 12 casualties, more than 200 people evacuated and several damages to the buildings and the road network. The largest flowslide involved Celario watershed, which started as a small slide (around 10 m³ ) on the top of Mt. Epomeo at 703 m a.s.l. of height and impacted downward at 645 m a.s.l., successively channelising in the catchment. This study summarises the geological and geomorphological evidence collected during the field investigation of the Celario flowslide and analyses the remotely sensed UAV data to reconstruct the occurred scenario. Finally, some considerations on the relationships between the occurred damage and the flowslide impact are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischia Island is an active volcano representing the emerged sector of an E -W trending volcanic ridge largely extending undersea. Its collapsing behaviour, mainly in the form of fast-moving, terrestrial and submarine debris avalanches, has been recognized during the Holocene, but much less is known about previous gravity-driven processes. Using high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data and seismic reflection profiles, we provide evidence that the Island's southwestern flank has been involved in a slow-moving, deep-seated slope deformation that has displaced large volumes of its apron since the Late Pleistocene and until very recent or contemporary times. A long tongue of deformed seafloor, spreading up to 45 km from the Island over an area of 330 km2, between 500 and 1300 m water depths, has been detected along its southwestern slope. Different types of mass movements, genetically associated with each other, characterize this landslide: 1) a basal slump anticline, corresponding to a bulge on the bathymetry detaching at about 400 m sub-bottom depth; 2) an intermediate-mass movement chiefly consisting of debris avalanches and debris/turbiditic flows; 3) an upper mass movement consisting of hundred-metre size slumps detaching at relatively shallow depths. Conservative estimates indicate that at least 50 km3 of volcano-clastic and hemipelagic deposits have been mobilized, most of which comprise the basal slump anticline. This submarine landslide can be explained as a gravity failure of the continental slope unrelated to volcanism or rather as a process related to the dynamics of the volcanic edifice, which would imply volcano-spreading. • Oceanic and continental volcanic edifices may undergo slow collapse, named spreading • Ischia is an active volcano suspected to undergo long-term subsidence along with seismicity • Its southern, undersea section is affected by fast and long-term landslide phenomena • This long-term gravity instability can be viewed within the concept of volcano-spreading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prehistoric (< 7 ka) Zaro eruption at Ischia island (Southern Italy) produced a lava complex overlaying a pyroclastic deposit. Although being of low energy, the Zaro eruption might have caused casualties among the neolithic population that inhabited that area of Ischia, and damages to their settlements. A similar eruption at Ischia with its present-day population would turn into a disaster. Therefore, understanding the magmatic processes that triggered the Zaro eruption would be important for volcanic hazard assessment and risk mitigation, so as to improve a knowledge that can be applied to other active volcanic areas worldwide. The main Zaro lava body is trachyte and hosts abundant mafic and felsic enclaves. Here all juvenile facies have been fully characterized from petrographic, geochemical and isotopic viewpoints. The whole dataset (major and trace element contents; Sr–Nd isotopic composition) leads to rule out a genetic link by fractional crystallization among the variable facies. Thus, we suggest that the Zaro mafic enclaves could represent a deep-origin mafic magma that mingled/mixed with the main trachytic one residing in the Ischia shallow magmatic system. The intrusion of such a mafic magma into a shallow reservoir filled by partly crystallized, evolved magma could have destabilized the magmatic system presumably acting as a rapid eruption trigger. The resulting processes of convection, mixing and rejuvenation have possibly played an important role in pre- and syn-eruptive phases also in several eruptions of different sizes in the Neapolitan area and elsewhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemical and isotopic ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and 18 O/ 16 O) data have been acquired on whole rock and separated mineral samples from volcanic products of the 1302 AD Arso eruption, Ischia volcanic island (Gulf of Naples, Southern Italy), to investigate magmatic processes. Our results highlight petrographic and isotopic disequilibria between phenocrysts and their host rocks. Similar disequilibria are observed also for more mafic volcanic rocks from Ischia and in the Phlegraean Volcanic District in general. Moreover, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and 18 O/ 16 O values suggest mixing between chemically and isotopically distinct batches of magma, and crystals cargo from an earlier magmatic phase. The radiogenic Sr isotope composition suggests that the mantle source was enriched by subduction-derived sediments. Furthermore, magmas extruded during the Arso eruption were affected by crustal contamination as suggested by high oxygen isotope ratios. Assimilation and fractional crystallization modelling of the Sr-O isotope compositions indicates that not more than ~ 7% of granodioritic rocks from the continental crust have been assimilated by a mantle-derived mafic magma. Hence the recent volcanic activity of Ischia has been fed by distinct batches of magma, variably contaminated by continental crust, that mixed during their ascent towards the surface and remobilized phenocrysts left from earlier magmatic phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The best knowledge of hazardous events and the precise mapping of the zones that they could involve are essential to plan the actions aimed at reducing the territorial vulnerability and promoting the development of a resilient community. In this framework, the main goal of the present research is to propose a quantitative spatial modeling approach that, starting from hazard indicators, defines multi-hazard indices to compare the degree of hazard among different zones allowing the establishment of intervention priorities for risk reduction. The method was applied to the case study of Ischia island, located in the north-western zone of Napoli bay (Southern Italy): indeed, the exposure to many natural hazards (seismic, volcanic, landslide, coastal erosion and marine inundation) coupled with the intense urbanization make the island a good test area to validate the methodology here proposed. Taking into account the different recurrence times of natural events, two multi-hazard indices were quantified, the total multi-hazard index that illustrates the hazard status of the territory considering all the natural events and the partial-hazard index that only takes into account those occurring yearly to decadally. Moreover, with the aim of easily and globally visualizing the hazard status of the territory, the indices were depicted into maps that could facilitate the communication to stakeholders and consequently the reduction of social vulnerability. The municipalities of Serrara Fontana, Barano d'Ischia and Casamicciola Terme show the highest total multi-hazard index of the study area, all the other municipalities display a value (always exceeding 0.5) that, although lower than in the previous three, signifies that the entire island needs attention with regard to natural hazards. The partial multi-hazard index confirms the highest value for Serrara Fontana and Barano d'Ischia. Multi-hazard hotspots, identified at the censual district scale for the Forio d'Ischia municipality, enlighten the areas where a comprehensive risk assessment is needed. We also took advantage of spatial and temporal analysis in order to compare the evolution of population and urban development to spatial distribution of hazard zones over the last 80 years. This analysis evidenced that the urban development was insensitive to the dangers impending on the territory, as the expansion in the zones with medium-high level of hazard testifies. Because of this, the present status of the island postulates the urgent need of integrating disaster risk reduction into future spatial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulk-rock and mineralogical characterization of massive samples (lava flows, lava domes, scoria, spatter), chosen to be representative of different activity periods and of the whole known compositional range of Ischia island (Roman Magmatic Province, Campanian district) is reported in this paper. The rocks vary in composition from shoshonites to peralkaline trachyphonolites. Crystallization started with Al-rich chromite inclusions and their host magnesian olivine in shoshonites and latites, and ended with låvenite, rinkite, kochite, hiortdahlite, hainite, Mn-aenigmatite, britholite and Ti–Zr-rich aegirine in the groundmass of the peralkaline trachyphonolites. Removal of feldspar-bearing assemblages (with calcic-to-sodic plagioclase in shoshonites and latites, sodic sanidine and anorthoclase in trachytes and trachyphonolites) is established throughout the compositional range, and is accompanied by interaction between variably evolved magmas (with their differing phenocryst assemblage), mostly in mafic and intermediate compositions. This led to enrichment in Mn, alkalis, Zr, Nb, REE, Rb, Th, U, Cl and F, and depletion in Mg, Fe, V, Ca, Ba, Sr and Eu in the most evolved magmas. The Ischian rocks have a tendency to sodic affinity and by peculiar mineral compositions and compositional trends, which do not indicate extremely oxidizing conditions. The Ischian rocks thus differ from the Phlegrean Fields analogues and the ultrapotassic, more silica undersaturated rocks of Somma–Vesuvius. Overall, variations in the chemical compositions of the rocks and their trends imply unrelated feeding systems and thus are inconsistent with the hypothesis of a common magma reservoir beneath the main volcanic areas of the Campanian Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we analyze the main available data related to the geothermal system of Ischia Island, starting from the first geothermal exploration in 1939. Our aim is to define a conceptual model of the geothermal reservoir, according to geological, geochemical, geophysical and stratigraphic data. In recent times, the interest on geothermal exploitation for electricity generation in Italy is rapidly increasing and the Ischia Island is one of the main targets for future geothermal exploitation. Nowadays, one of the main economic resources of the island is the tourism, mainly driven by the famous thermal springs; so, it is crucial to study the possible interaction between geothermal exploitation and thermal spring activities. To this aim, we also analyze the possible disturbance on temperature and pressure in the shallow geothermal reservoir, due to the heat withdrawal for electric production related to small power plant size (1–5 MWe). Such analysis has been performed by using numerical simulations based on a well known thermofluid-dynamical code (TOUGH2®). Obtained results show that such geothermal exploitation generates a perturbation of temperature and pressure field which, however, is confined in a small volume around the well. At shallow level (0–100m) the exploitation does not produce any appreciable disturbance, and can be made compatible with thermal spring exploitation. Moreover, such results are crucial both for the evaluation of volcanological processes in the island and for the general assessment of geothermal resource sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ischia is a volcanic island located NW of the Gulf of Naples (South Italy). The island of Ischia is a structurally complex hydrothermal active system that hosts a fractured aquifer system whose geometry and hydraulic properties are still partly unknown. The aquifer system of Ischia, composed mainly of Quaternary volcanic deposits and marine sediments, exhibits physically and chemically heterogeneous waters. The intense seismicity and hydrothermal activity are expressed by numerous fumaroles and thermal springs, which have been exploited since ancient times, promoting, and supporting the world-renowned tourist activities that constitute the main economic activity of the island. The aim of this study is to determine the hydrogeochemical processes in the Ischia aquifer system. Also, we calculated the proportion of seawater in the aquifer system of Ischia using historical hydrogeochemical data relative to two sampling campaigns. Sixty-nine groundwater and thermal spring samples collected in July 2000 were analyzed and compared with previously published data to identify the changes in seawater contribution. The sample analysis shows that different physicochemical processes occur in the groundwater of Ischia Island, where recharge water, seawater and deep fluids interact and overlap with different intensity. The calculated saline factor indicates a seawater content of up to 70% in some samples near the coast, suggesting that seawater intrusion is the main process in these areas. Later data show that seawater intrusion increases around the coastline with up to 93% seawater content. Finally, data analysis shows that although a change in chemical composition is observed, no variation in thermal water temperature is recorded over time. • Seawater intrusion has been quantified for the first time in the Ischia groundwaters. • Chlorine origin in Ischia waters is mainly related to seawater intrusion. • Water-rock interaction processes are less responsible for the groundwater chemistry. • The seawater intrusion has increased over time all along the coastline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents mineralogical, chemical, and textural data for the Mount Epomeo Green Tuff and an associated polymictic breccia on Ischia Island, Italy with the purpose of defining the alteration history of the two units and the emplacement origin of the polymictic breccia. Our results indicate that the Green Tuff trachytic ignimbrite experienced three alteration events that produced the following mineral assemblages: (1) phillipsite, randomly interstratified (R0) illite/smectite (I/S), Fe-illite, and smectite (in situ Green Tuff); (2) chabazite, phillipsite, R0 I/S, and Fe-illite (proximal facies Green Tuff at Scarrupata di Barano); and (3) analcime, authigenic K-feldspar, Fe-illite, R0 I/S, and smectite (clasts of Green Tuff in polymictic breccia). Phillipsite, chabazite, and R0 I/S within the in situ and proximal facies Green Tuff indicate low-temperature alteration ( T < 70 °C). The proximal facies Green Tuff contains a vertical mineral zonation, suggesting alteration in an open hydrologic system. Analcime and authigenic K-feldspar assemblages in Green Tuff clasts within the polymictic breccia indicate higher temperature ( T > 70 °C) alteration within a mostly closed chemical system. These data suggest that the polymictic breccia represents a debris avalanche deposit created by a catastrophic volcanic collapse, which was associated with low-temperature hydrothermal alteration and thus structural weakening of the volcano. The debris avalanche that produced the polymictic breccia on Ischia may be related to nearby massive debris avalanche deposits recently discovered offshore of southern Ischia. The young age of the polymictic breccia (5.7-8.6 ka) and the possibility of its catastrophic emplacement indicate an additional volcanic hazard for Ischia Island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides an analysis of the evolution of resurgence from 55 ka for the active volcanic island of Ischia, southern Italy, using a laccolith model proposed in previous studies. This paper explores the uplift phases, eruptive behavior, and associated seismic activity of Ischia Island, which are important issues as the island has a high volcanic risk. Through an analysis of stress and strain over time for laccolith pressurization, it is shown that during resurgence, Ischia Island has undergone flexural uplift and progressive fracturing and faulting of the shallow crust (2 km thick), with an increase in the laccolith's volume of at least 80 km and an average magma influx of 0.015 m s. Different elastic and viscoelastic mechanisms are used to evaluate the modes of stress relaxation due to this laccolith pressurization phase. Stress relaxation can occur through uplift and seismicity, without eruption, or with eruption. It is also shown that large eruptions should be expected only for long-term uplift of the central part of Ischia Island (the Mount Epomeo block). In contrast, the occurrence of small effusive and explosive eruptions should involve the peripheral areas of the resurgent block, and these are more likely to occur in the near future than are large events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we present an approach for evaluating landslide susceptibility in seismic areas. It is known that earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility is related to several, often interplaying, factors. Nevertheless, an effective grade-2 zonation should be characterized by a good balance between simplicity, quickness and reliability. The GIS-based procedure we present employs only three factors that we believe are the most significant in this susceptibility assessment: the type of outcropping rocks/soils, the slope angle and the MCS intensity. The local annual precipitation, certainly an essential factor, is considered here as a parameter whose seasonal pattern is constant in time and space. Each of the three parameters is expressed as a Significance percentage and the resulting Seismic Landslide Susceptibility level of an area is given by the average of the significances of the first two factors multiplied by the significance of the third factor. The procedure was set and tested on the volcanic island of Ischia (southern Italy), which was affected by several historical earthquake-induced landslides. The results of this susceptibility zonation test at Ischia show a very good match between the distribution of the sources of historical landslides and the areas we identified as the most susceptible ones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to zone the territory of Campania Region (southern Italy) with regard to the hazard related to future explosive activity of Somma-Vesuvio, Campi Flegrei, and Ischia Island, we drew a multi-source hazard map for tephra and pyroclastic flows. This map, which merges the areas possibly endangered by the three volcanic sources, takes into account a large set of tephra fall and pyroclastic flow events that have occurred in the last 10 ka. In detail, for fall products at Campi Flegrei and Somma-Vesuvio we used the dispersal of past eruption products as deduced by field surveys and their recurrence over the whole area. For pyroclastic flows, the field data were integrated with VEI = 4 simulated events; about 100 simulations sourcing from different points of the area were performed, considering the different probability of vent opening. The spatial recurrence of products of both past eruptions and simulated events was used to assign a weight to the area endangered by the single volcanic sources. The sum of these weights in the areas exposed to the activity of two sources and/or to different kinds of products was used to draw a hazard map, which highlights the spatial trend and the extent of the single equivalent classes at a regional scale. A multi-source risk map was developed for the same areas as the graphic result of the product of volcanic hazard and exposure, assessed in detail from a dasymetric map. The resulting multi-source hazard and risk maps are essential tools for communication among scientists, local authorities, and the public, and may prove highly practical for long-term regional-scale mitigation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between onshore and offshore of the volcanic features in a complex volcanic field area is a difficult task, however, it is a fundamental step in order to better understand the geological evolution of such a complex area and for an assessment of geologic hazards. Ischia is a well exposed and densely populated volcanic field located in the Campania volcanic province of Italy. In order to improve our understanding of the recent volcanic history of Ischia Island, high-resolution seismic reflection profiles were used to identify volcanic and sedimentary features in the northern offshore. The volcano stratigraphy interpretation permitted us to recognize seismic units with a reflection-free/chaotic facies. These latter units have been associated with volcanic deposits and correlated to the main volcanic units outcropping on the northern coast of Ischia Island. They are limited in extent and interlayered with eight seismic units with continuous reflectors corresponding to clastic sedimentary units that were deposited during inter-eruptive phases. The main result of this work is the documentation of volcanic activity during the Holocene in the area offshore between Castello d'Ischia, Ischia Porto (mainly effusive products) and Punta della Scrofa (mainly shallow lava domes and dykes). The key volcanic units were mapped and 3D geological models were reconstructed. The reconstruction of the stratigraphic framework offshore a volcanic coast provides a pathway to the investigation of the stratigraphic relationships between inter-eruptive sedimentary deposits and volcanic units, and permits the assessment of a wide and continuous chronostratigraphic framework in a complex area. Furthermore, the onshore-offshore correlation of the main Holocene volcanic units allows us to better estimate their areal distribution, a critical factor in the hazard evaluation of a coastal volcanic area. The application of seismic volcano stratigraphy illustrates the remarkable possibilities that the study of submarine volcanic fields offers. • The goal of the paper is the stratigraphic analysis of an offshore volcanic field using seismic reflection profiles • The stratigraphic relationships between eruptive and inter-eruptive deposits have been reconstructed • We built 3D geologic surfaces of the main Holocene volcanoes offshore Ischia (Italy) • The onshore-offshore correlation of the volcanic unit permits to establish a geologic continuity across the coast • The application of seismic volcano stratigraphy proves the remarkable capabilities for the study of submarine volcanoes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The lithological and compositional characteristics of eighteen different pyroclastic deposits of Campanian origin, dated between 125 cal ky BP and 22 cal ky BP, were described. The pyroclastic deposits were correlated among different outcrops mainly located on the Apennine slopes that border the southern Campanian Plain. They were grouped in two main stratigraphic and chronologic intervals of regional significance: a) between Pomici di Base (22.03 cal ky BP; Somma–Vesuvius) and Campanian Ignimbrite (39 cal ky BP; Campi Flegrei) eruptions; and b) older than Campanian Ignimbrite eruption. Three new 14C AMS datings support the proposed correlations. Six eruptions were attributed to the Pomici di Base-Campanian Ignimbrite stratigraphic interval, while twelve eruptions are older than Campanian Ignimbrite. Of the studied deposits two originated from Ischia island, five are related to Campi Flegrei, and three to Somma–Vesuvius. Two eruptions have an uncertain correlation with Somma–Vesuvius or Campi Flegrei, while six eruptions remain of uncertain source. Minimum volumes of five eruptions were assessed, ranging between 0.5 km3 and 4 km3. Two of the studied deposits were correlated with Y-3 and X-5 tephra layers, which are widely dispersed in the central Mediterranean area. The new stratigraphic and chronologic data provide an upgraded chrono-stratigraphy for the explosive activity of Neapolitan volcanoes in the period between 125 and 22 cal ky BP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to develop monitoring of heavy metals (Cd2+,Cu2+,Pb2+) contamination in marine environment as well as macroalgae we have carried out this work in the Gulf of Naples and in the coastal region of Ischia island. Heavy metals were measured using the ASV (Anodic Stripping Voltammetry) analytical method. This work has given us the chance to underline the link between the state of seawater influences and the state of sessile species on the collected samples. The analyses have highlighted the bioconcentration of metals in sessile organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The areas exposed to pyroclastic flow invasion in case of explosive eruptions at Ischia island (Italy) have been evaluated, together with the related volcanic hazard and risk. Ischia island lacks a central vent so, for the evaluation of volcanic hazard, it is necessary to forecast where a future explosive event might occur. At this purpose, we have evaluated the Vent Opening Probability by taking into account all the relevant geological information and processing them through spatial analysis. The whole Ischia island has been subdivided into 358 cells, in which we take into account the contribution of volcanological, geophysical and geochemical data to define the probability of opening of the vents. As a result, the highest spatial probability is found on the eastern sector of the island. Two series of simulations, by using the “energy cone” model [Malin, M.C., Sheridan, M.F., 1982. Computer-assisted mapping of pyroclastic surges. Science 217, 637–640] and assuming column collapse heights of 100 m, for eruptions of Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI)=3, and of 300 m for eruptions of VEI=4, with Heim coefficient equal to 0.1, were performed. Through the overlay of the energy cone to the Digital Elevation Model of Ischia, it has been possible to automatically detect the invaded areas for each hypothesized vent. The intersection of this areas made it possible to define the different spatial probabilities of invasion by pyroclastic flow (PyF) for each point of the Ischia territory. Two different types of hazard maps have been derived: an equi-probability hazard map, sensitive to the distance from the vents and the presence of topographic obstacles, and a weighted hazard map, in which the probability of vent opening has also been taken into account. For both types of eruptions, the highest spatial probability of invasion are the so-called “graben of Ischia”, and the coastal plain between Monte Vico and Ischia Porto. Finally, by intersecting the exposed value map with the weighted hazard maps, the classification of the Ischia territory into three risk classes has been performed. The villages located in the Ischia graben and in the northern sector of the island have resulted to be exposed to the highest risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The 56 ka Monte Epomeo Green Tuff (MEGT) resulted from the largest volume explosive eruption from Ischia island (south Italy). Its tephra is one of the main stratigraphic markers of the central Mediterranean area. Despite its importance, a detailed characterisation of the petrography and mineral chemistry of MEGT is lacking. To fill this gap, we present detailed petrographic description and electron microprobe mineral chemistry data on samples collected on-land from the MEGT. Juvenile clasts include pumice, scoria, and obsidian fragments with porphyritic/glomeroporphyritic, vitrophyric, and fragmental textures. The porphyritic index is 13–40 vol.%, and phenocryst phases include alkali-feldspar, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, ferrian phlogopite, and titano-magnetite, in order of decreasing abundance; accessory phases include sphene, hydroxy-fluor-apatite, and rare edenite. Plagioclase varies from predominant andesine to subordinate oligoclase, whereas alkali-feldspar is more variable from sanidine to anorthoclase; quasi-pure sanidine commonly occurs as either rim or recrystallisation overgrowth of large phenocrysts due to hydrothermal alteration. Secondary minerals include veins and patches of carbonate minerals, Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides, clay minerals, and zeolites. Clinopyroxene is ferroan diopside (En45–29Fs7–27) and never reaches Na-rich compositions. This feature allows the discrimination of MEGT from aegirine-bearing, distal tephra layers erroneously attributed to MEGT, with implications for the areal distribution of Ischia explosive deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neapolitan volcanic area includes three active and high-risk volcanoes: Campi Flegrei caldera, Somma–Vesuvius, and Ischia island. The Campi Flegrei volcanic area is a typical example of a resurgent caldera, characterized by intense uplift periods followed by subsidence phases (bradyseism). After about 21 years of subsidence following the 1982–1984 unrest, a new inflation period started in 2005 and, with increasing rates over time, is ongoing. The overall uplift from 2005 to December 2019 is about 65 cm. This paper provides the history of the recent Campi Flegrei caldera unrest and an overview of the ground deformation patterns of the Somma–Vesuvius and Ischia volcanoes from continuous GPS observations. In the 2000–2019 time span, the GPS time series allowed the continuous and accurate tracking of ground and seafloor deformation of the whole volcanic area. With the aim of improving the research on volcano dynamics and hazard assessment, the full dataset of the GPS time series from the Neapolitan volcanic area from January 2000 to December 2019 is presented and made available to the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution satellite images must undergo a geometric rectification process in order to be used for metrical purposes. This operation, called orthorectification, is necessary because of deformations mainly due to camera distortions and acquisition geometry. To correctly orthorectify an image, it is necessary to accurately reconstruct the photogrammetric-acquisition characteristics and the image position with respect to a reference system connected to the ground. This operation, called orientation, can be done using various mathematical models such as rigorous, rational polynomial function (RPF), and rational polynomial coefficient, or, according to some authors, rapid positioning coefficient (RPC) models. Orientation and orthorectification are usually performed within specific commercial software, but in QGIS, these complex operations can be performed using the open libraries of the Orfeo Tool Box (OTB). Unfortunately, instructions given by OTB developers lead to scarce results. In fact, the procedure proposed in OTB does not allow for the full exploitation of the potential of RPC models, on which OTB itself is based. As OTB is open-source software, a plugin was developed to overcome these limitations and exploit its full potential. In fact, OTB interfaces are unfortunately essential, and some necessary functions are missing. Therefore, a new QGIS plugin was developed in order to run the entire process in the most photogrammetrically and statistically correct way, and, at the same time, to simplify the relative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A study of the seismic noise at Ischia Island shows two persistent sources. • The principal source is related to the hydrothermal activity. • The fluid-solid interaction mechanism is modelled using organ-pipe theory. This work is devoted to the study of the background seismic noise at Ischia Island. We highlight two persistent independent signals, with dominant frequency peaks in the range 1−2 Hz and 3−4 Hz, respectively. The first signal is the most energetic and persistent and its polarization properties are well defined, revealing a shallow propagation likely controlled by both tectonic/volcanic structures and morphological features. This signal is well correlated at all the stations in the Casamicciola area and its group velocity is estimated as 500−600 m/s. The second signal shows similar polarization properties but the temporal pattern of its amplitude is strongly affected by anthropogenic noise, revealing a modulation on a diurnal scale. On the investigated spatial scales, any clearly correlated signal is not evidenced. We interpret the 1−2 Hz correlated wave-packets as the persistent whisper of the shallow circulation of fluids, which are a mixing of sea and meteoric water and thermal fluids of the hydrothermal reservoir. In the conceptual scheme of the self-sustained musical instruments, we hypothesize that the solid structure of the shallow hydrothermal system of Ischia is formed by a network of channels, continuously excited by the circulating hydrothermal fluids, which produce a whispered sound (i.e. the seismic noise). This mechanism is able to produce persistent self-sustained oscillations that we observe as the 1−2 Hz seismic signal and, eventually, higher modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]