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Pressure ulcers are extremely common in individuals with spinal cord injuries, especially ischial pressure ulcers, which have a higher rate of recurrence and are more difficult to treat than those in other regions of the body. We report a case of a 69-year-old man with bilateral ischial defects due to surgical treatment of pressure ulcers. Previous reports have shown that when surgical resection of pressure ulcers extends beyond the ischial tuberosity to the pubic symphysis and acetabulum, the superior psoas and piriformis muscles are easily dislocated, and the pelvic ring can be unstable. Therefore, the region of resection must not extend beyond the acetabulum and pubic symphysis to achieve a stable sitting position. In this article, we discuss an anatomically safe ischial tuberosity resection.

For active volcanoes, knowledge of the architecture of the plumbing system and the conditions of magma storage prior to an eruption are highly important, given their influence on the eruptive style and, thus, the management of future volcanic crises. Here, chlorine is used as a geobarometer for potassic alkaline magmas at the Campi Flegrei volcanic complex, revealing the shallowest depth of fluid-melt equilibration with respect to Cl. The results for representative fallout deposits of selected explosive eruptions show the existence of a multi-depth equilibration zone through time, including shallow magma storage. We describe evidence for the shallowest zone located at a depth equivalent to 65 MPa for the Agnano Monte Spina eruption (4482–4625 cal. yrs BP), at ~100 MPa for the Pomici Principali (11 915–12 158 cal. yrs BP), and the Astroni 6 (4098–4297 cal. yrs BP) eruptions, and close to 115 MPa for the last explosive eruption of Monte Nuovo (AD 1538). For comparison, the pressure estimated for a possible reservoir feeding the Cretaio eruption of Ischia island (AD 430), the only studied eruption on Ischia, is ~140 MPa. The pressure estimates for the two largest magnitude eruptions, the Campanian Ignimbrite (40 ka) and the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (14.9 ka), are also discussed with respect to available magma withdrawal models. The pressures estimated using the Cl geobarometer for the magma leading to the fallout phases of these two eruptions provide evidence for a low-volume, shallow domain (~40 MPa) for the Plinian phase of the Campanian Ignimbrite eruption and a main, deeper reservoir (~130–165 MPa) for the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff eruption. The inferred shallowest equilibration pressures are interpreted here as corresponding to transitory, short-lived magma apophyses, whose eruption may have been facilitated by optimum tectonic stresses, rheological behavior of the crust, and efficiency of volatile exsolution. Alternatively, these magma apophyses may represent an evolved, crystal-rich ponded magma into which a volatile-rich magma ascending from depth was injected. The transient nature of such very shallow reservoirs is suggested by the short timescales inferred from diffusion modeling on crystals available in the literature for the studied Campi Flegrei eruptions. The influence of sulfur (S) on Cl solubility is assessed through Cl solubility modeling and applied to different eruptions. In addition, the pressure at which magmatic fluids and melts equilibrated with respect to Cl is shallower for the Campi Flegrei volcanic complex than the Somma-Vesuvio volcanic complex, erupting more homogeneous differentiated magma, of trachytic or phonolitic composition. This approach of using Cl to investigate the architecture of the plumbing system can be extended to all alkali-rich magma systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine geological studies of Naples Bay are discussed and reviewed, focusing on the application of the seismo-stratigraphic concepts to a Late Quaternary volcanic area. The Naples Bay represents an active volcanic area in which the interactions between volcanic and sedimentary processes controlled a complex stratigraphic architecture during the Late Quaternary period. While the volcanic processes took place in correspondence with the activity of the Somma–Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei Ischia, and Procida volcanic complexes, the sedimentary processes were controlled by the fluvial processes in the Sarno-Sebeto coastal plain and by the tectonic uplift in correspondence with the Sorrento Peninsula's structural high Key geophysical and stratigraphic studies of the three active volcanic complexes are revised and discussed. The seismo-stratigraphic concepts applied in the geological interpretation of seismic profiles of Naples Bay are reviewed and discussed: here, the classical concepts of seismic and sequence stratigraphy have been successfully applied, but only partly, due to the occurrence of several buried volcanoes and volcanic seismic units and tephra layers, calibrated by gravity cores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we tackle the problem of the intensity attenuation at Ischia, a critical parameter in a high seismic risk area such as this volcanic island. Starting from the new revised catalogue of local earthquakes, we select a dataset of 118 macroseismic observations related to the four main historical events and analyse the characteristics of the intensity attenuation according to both the deterministic and probabilistic approaches, under the assumption of a point seismic source and isotropic decay (circular spreading). In the deterministic analysis, we derive the attenuation law through an empirical model fitting the average values of ΔI (the difference between epicentral intensity I0 and intensities observed at a site IS) versus the epicentral distances by the least-square method. In the probabilistic approach, the distribution of IS conditioned on the epicentre-site distance is given through a binomial-beta model for each class of I0. In the Bayesian framework, the model parameter p is considered as a random variable to which we assign a Beta probability distribution on the basis of our prior belief derived from investigations on the attenuation in Italy. The mode of the binomial distribution is taken as the intensity expected at that site (Iexp). The entire calculation procedure has been implemented in a python plugin for QGIS® software that, given location and I0 (or magnitude) of the earthquake to be simulated, generates a probabilistic seismic scenario according to the deterministic or probabilistic models of attenuation. This tool may be applied in seismic risk analyses at a local scale or in the seismic surveillance to produce real-time intensity shake-maps for this volcanic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal vents are geographically widespread and host microorganisms with robust enzymes useful in various industrial applications. We examined microbial communities and carboxylesterases of two terrestrial hydrothermal vents of the volcanic island of Ischia (Italy) predominantly composed of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota. Hightemperature enrichment cultures with the polyester plastics polyhydroxybutyrate and polylactic acid (PLA) resulted in an increase of Thermus and Geobacillus species and to some extent Fontimonas and Schleiferia species. The screening at 37 to 70°C of metagenomic fosmid libraries from above enrichment cultures identified three hydrolases (IS10, IS11, and IS12), all derived from yet-uncultured Chloroflexota and showing low sequence identity (33 to 56%) to characterized enzymes. Enzymes expressed in Escherichia coli exhibited maximal esterase activity at 70 to 90°C, with IS11 showing the highest thermostability (90% activity after 20-min incubation at 80°C). IS10 and IS12 were highly substrate promiscuous and hydrolyzed all 51 monoester substrates tested. Enzymes were active with PLA, polyethylene terephthalate model substrate, and mycotoxin T-2 (IS12). IS10 and IS12 had a classical a/ b-hydrolase core domain with a serine hydrolase catalytic triad (Ser155, His280, and Asp250) in their hydrophobic active sites. The crystal structure of IS11 resolved at 2.92 Å revealed the presence of a N-terminal b-lactamase-like domain and C-terminal lipocalin domain. The catalytic cleft of IS11 included catalytic Ser68, Lys71, Tyr160, and Asn162, whereas the lipocalin domain enclosed the catalytic cleft like a lid and contributed to substrate binding. Our study identified novel thermotolerant carboxylesterases with a broad substrate range, including polyesters and mycotoxins, for potential applications in biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orientation of satellite images is a necessary operation for the correct geometric use of satellite images whether they are used individually to obtain an orthophoto or as stereocouples to extract three-dimensional information. The orientation allows us to reconstruct the correct position on the ground of the single pixels that form the image, which normally can be performed using certain functions of commercial software customised for each specific satellite. These functions read the metadata parameters provided by the satellite operator and use them to correctly orient the images. Unfortunately, these parameters have not been standardised and various satellites report them according to variable conventions, so new satellites or those that are not widely used cannot be oriented automatically. The PRISMA satellite launched by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) releases free hyperspectral and panchromatic images with metric resolution, but there is not yet a standardised procedure for orienting its images and this limits its usability. This paper reports on the first experimentation of orientation and orthorectification of PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa) images carried out using the three most widely used models, namely the rigorous, the Rational Polynomial Coefficients (RPC) and the Rational Polynomial Functions (RPF) tools. The results obtained by interpreting the parameters and making them suitable for use in standard procedures have made it possible to obtain results with an accuracy equal to the maximum resolution of panchromatic images (5 m), thus making it possible to achieve the highest level of geometric accuracy that can be extracted from the images themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcano dynamics results from an interplay between internal and external processes spanning different time scales. Unravelling how such processes interact may provide key insights into the mechanisms that may lead to the destabilization of the volcanoes and eruption, a critical information to forecast hazards. Studies dealing with tidal influence on volcanoes fall within this context, yet the cause-effect relationship between tides and eruptions is still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate the tidal influence on two nearby volcanoes, Ischia and Campi Flegrei (Italy), characterized by intense hydrothermal activity. We analyze the seismic tremor of hydrothermal origin recorded by four seismic stations between January and June 2020 by using Singular Spectrum Analysis. We detect up to five long term tidal periodicities ranging from ∼5 to ∼29 days. The results indicate that the seismic tremor is modulated by Earth tides at both volcanoes. In addition, differences in phase and amplitude modulation between the response of both hydrothermal systems to tidal forcing reveal specific features related to the tremor source and to properties of the surrounding medium. These phenomena indicate an interplay between solid Earth and the dynamics of these two volcanoes. Similar approaches on hydrothermal systems at volcanoes would contribute to better characterize the hydrothermal circulation and their evolving conditions that may represent a precursor of a new phase of activity.

We analysed the hydrogeochemical and isotopic contents in groundwater for the period 2002–2020, in the Ischia Island, a volcanic island in Southern Italy, and compared them with seismic events that occurred in the same period. The study is based on a large hydrochemical database, which includes chemical (major and minor compounds, metals and trace elements) and isotopic analyses (δ18O and δ2H). For each of the 34 seismic events occurred in the studied period, we considered coordinates, date, time, depth and magnitude. To exclude the influence of meteorological variability on the hydrochemistry, we examined rainfall time series measured in four stations located in the island. Results show hydrogeochemical anomalies for some chemical elements observed months before the seismic events. Arsenic, electrical conductivity, chromium and vanadium have been identified as potentially affected by hydrogeochemical anomalies related to the earthquakes. The variations in stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) in groundwater also seem associated with the earthquakes. This study aims to contribute to the individuation of components in groundwater prone to register sudden changes related to seismic events and it highlights the need of a continuous and long-term hydrogeochemical monitoring in seismic areas. Indeed, the conclusions of this study must be further confirmed by a future continuous monitoring of major compounds, trace elements and isotopes in groundwater to evaluate the effective temporal coincidence/lag with the seismic events. [Display omitted] • Hydrochemical anomalies occurred months before the seismic events in Ischia Island • Significant variations concern EC and the concentrations of As, V and Cr • After the events, these elements partially recovered their normal concentrations • Light changes in δ2H and δ18O were observed before the events • The variations can be related to changes in hydrothermal fluids circulation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A volcanological map of the active Ischia volcanic field that includes Vivara Island is presented. The volcanological map is at the 1:10,000 scale and is based on 1:5000 field mapping, geological CAR.G data, and new volcanological studies. Geological data are represented on the three-dimensional orographic background digital terrain model of the inland and offshore areas of the volcanic field. This allows a better visualization of the main morphological, volcanic, and geological structures. Six phases were identified on the basis of volcanotectonic events; the 110 volcanic units were arranged following these evolutive phases, and a volcanosedimentary apron unit was introduced. This volcanological map enables visualization of the volcanic evolution of the Ischia volcanic field and could be useful for the evaluation of volcano-related hazards in the area.

Ischia is a densely inhabited and touristic volcanic island located in the northern sector of the Gulf of Naples (Italy). In 2017, the Mw 3.9 Casamicciola earthquake occurred after more than one century of seismic quiescence characterized only by minor seismicity, which followed a century with three destructive earthquakes (in 1828, 1881, and 1883). These events, despite their moderate magnitude (Mw < 5.5), lead to dreadful effects on buildings and population. However, an integrated catalogue systematically covering historical and instrumental seismicity of Ischia has been still lacking since many years. Here, we review and systematically re-analyse all the available data on the historical and instrumental seismicity, to build an integrated earthquake catalogue for Ischia with a robust characterization of existing uncertainties. Supported by new or updated macroseismic datasets, we significantly enriched existing catalogues, as the Italian Parametric Earthquake Catalogue (CPTI15) that, with this analysis, passed from 12 to 57 earthquakes with macroseismic parametrization. We also extended back by 6 years the coverage of the instrumental catalogue, homogenizing the estimated seismic parameters. The obtained catalogue will not only represent a solid base for future local hazard quantifications, but also it provides the unique opportunity of characterizing the evolution of the Ischia seismicity over centuries. To this end, we analyse the spatial, temporal, and magnitude distributions of Ischia seismicity, revealing for example that, also in the present long-lasting period of volcanic quiescence, is significantly non-stationary and characterized by a b-value larger than 1.

The Campanian Volcanic Zone (CVZ) comprises multiple active volcanoes and includes the highly productive Campi Flegrei and Ischia caldera systems. These caldera volcanoes have produced probably the largest eruptions in Europe in the past 200 ka, such as the Monte Epomeo Green Tuff (MEGT; Ischia) at ca. 56 ka and the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI; Campi Flegrei) at ca. 40 ka, which form widespread isochrons across the Mediterranean region. These closely-spaced volcanic centres erupt phonolitic to trachytic glass compositions that are similar, and thus it can be challenging to correlate tephra deposits to specific volcanic sources. Here we present a detailed tephrostratigraphy for pre-CI eruption activity using the units preserved within a sequence at the coastal Acquamorta outcrop, on the western side of the CI caldera rim. Both the MEGT and CI units are present in the section, and they bracket twelve eruption units that were logged and sampled. New major and trace element glass chemistry data have been acquired for these Acquamorta tephra deposits. Three eruption deposits from Ischia and nine from Campi Flegrei are identified, which helps constrain the tempo of volcanic activity of these centres between the large caldera-forming eruptions. The three Ischia tephra deposits between the MEGT and the CI are indistinguishable based on both major and trace element glass chemistry and cannot be correlated to a specific or known eruption in this interval, such as the Schiappone tephra. The compositional variations between the Campi Flegrei eruptions reveal temporal shifts in the composition of the tephra deposits that reflect changes in the magmatic system prior to the CI eruption. These deposits indicate that there were at least nine eruptions at Campi Flegrei within 16 ka of the enormous CI eruption, and suggest that there was no significant period of repose before the caldera generating eruption. • Ischia and Campi Flegrei were very active between caldera-forming eruptions: twelve units identified between 56 ka and 40 ka. • Ischia tephras have similar glass compositions having implications for using them and the Schiappone tephra as marker layers. • The compositions of the nine Campi Flegrei tephras can be categorised into three glass chemistry groups. • Glass compositions become more evolved over time, extending toward a composition that is also present in the CI deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A volcanological map of the active Ischia volcanic field that includes Vivara Island is presented. The volcanological map is at the 1:10,000 scale and is based on 1:5000 field mapping, geological CAR.G data, and new volcanological studies. Geological data are represented on the three-dimensional orographic background digital terrain model of the inland and offshore areas of the volcanic field. This allows a better visualization of the main morphological, volcanic, and geological structures. Six phases were identified on the basis of volcanotectonic events; the 110 volcanic units were arranged following these evolutive phases, and a volcanosedimentary apron unit was introduced. This volcanological map enables visualization of the volcanic evolution of the Ischia volcanic field and could be useful for the evaluation of volcano-related hazards in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arrival of the poet W.H. Auden and his partner C. Kallman at Forio, in Ischia island, at the end of 1940s, is considered as the beginning of the cultured, homophilic and unprejudiced period that persisted through the 1960s, the era when the largest island of the Campanian Archipelago became the site of a massive and pervasive mass tourism. Foreign artists and intellectuals established on the island, who were protagonists of erotic practices considered reprehensible, gave birth to a complex social phenomenon in which the locals, by elaborating an appropriate cultural background, played an ambiguous role in the relationship with the guests and the transformation of the local society.

Ischia Island (Italy) is an impressive example of the rare phenomenon of caldera resurgence. The emplacement and replenishment of magmas at shallow depth resulted in a vertical uplift of about 900 m, concentrated in the western portion of Mt. Epomeo (789 m a.s.l.). As a consequence of this uplift, the island has experienced several slope instabilities at different scales since the Holocene, from shallow mass movements to large rock and debris avalanches. These mass wasting events, which mobilised large volumes of greenish alkali-trachytic tuff (the Mt. Epomeo Green Tuff, MEGT), were strictly related to volcano-tectonic activity and the interaction between the volcanic slopes and the hydrothermal system beneath the island. Deep-Seated Gravitational Slope Deformation (DSGSD) at Mt. Nuovo, located adjacent to densely populated coastal villages, is an ongoing process that covers an area of 1.6 km 2 . The Mt. Nuovo DSGSD involves a rock mass volume of 190 Mm 3 and is accommodated by a main shear zone and a series of sub-vertical fault zones associated with high-angle joint sets. To improve our understanding of this gravity-induced process, we performed a physical (porosity and permeability) and mechanical (uniaxial and triaxial deformation experiments) characterisation of two ignimbrite deposits - both from the MEGT - that form a significant component of the NW sector of Mt. Epomeo. The main conclusions drawn from our experiments are twofold. First, the presence of water dramatically reduces the strength of the tuffs, suggesting that the movement of fluids within the hydrothermal system could greatly impact slope stability. Second, the transition from brittle (dilatant) to ductile (compactant) behaviour in the tuffs of the MEGT occurs at a very low effective pressure, analogous to a depth of a couple of hundred metres, and that this transition is likely moved closer to the surface in the presence of water. We hypothesise that compactant (porosity decreasing) behaviour at the base of the layer could therefore facilitate slope instability. Although our results show that transient exposure to 300 °C does not influence the short-term strength of the tuff, we speculate that the high in-situ temperature could increase the efficiency of brittle and compactant creep and therefore increase the rate of slope deformation. Taken together, our experimental data highlight a potentially important role for the hydrothermal system (that reaches a minimum depth of ~ 1 km) in dictating the DSGSD at Mt. Nuovo. An understanding of this deformation process is not only important for the proximal coastal villages, at risk of engulfment by a large debris avalanche, but also for the towns and cities along the coast of the Gulf of Naples that are at risk to a secondary consequence of such an avalanche - a tsunami wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we show the bathymetric map of Ischia Island and its offshore area (Naples Bay, Italy), an active volcanic complex in the NW sector of Naples Bay. The map presented here is based on full seafloor coverage, carried out by merging multibeam swath bathymetric data acquired from several projects using different equipment, single beam echo-sounder data and topographic data, with a final grid cell size of 20  ×  20 metres. The obtained Digital Terrain Model allows a full view of the main morphological units, and may help future geomorphologic and geologic interpretations of the study area. Several previously unknown morphologic highs of the seafloor are mapped and named, in honour of the main researchers and/or events which characterized the recent history of Ischia Island. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper traces the technical development of geothermal plants from the very beginning, focusing on the efficiency of the geothermal-to-electrical energy conversion. The plants at Larderello (Italy) and Wairakei (New Zealand) are examined in some detail. Included are discussions and analyses of little-known plants in Africa and on the Italian island of Ischia that pioneered the development of geothermal energy conversion systems beyond the dry steam plants in Tuscany. Presented are important milestones in geothermal power plant development that opened the way to worldwide expansion of the use of geothermal resources for electricity generation. It is shown that while there has been a slight trend toward higher efficiency over the years, the improvement is less than has occurred in conventional fossil-fueled power plants. The efficiency gains result mainly from more elaborate conversion systems whose extra capital costs may not be justified in all cases. Nevertheless, the data show that geothermal power plants can be designed and built to achieve high efficiencies, comparable to or even greater than conventional plants when appropriate economic conditions and incentives exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unraveling the eruptive history of the Island of Ischia (southern Italy) is problematic due to its burial, caldera collapse, resurgent uplift and erosion. Here, we present new major and trace element glass data for 39–75 ka proximal tephra deposits, including those of the caldera-forming Monte Epomeo Green Tuff (MEGT) eruption. Correlations with the distal tephra archive preserved at Lago Grande di Monticchio (LGdM) are used to constrain the timing of as yet undated eruptive events. Out of 13 LGdM tephras analysed from the 39–104 ka time window, glass geochemical data show that all are compositionally consistent with the explosive volcanic eruptions of Ischia, whilst 5 of them can be correlated with specific proximal deposits. Pre-MEGT pyroclastic sequences comprise three compositional groups, these groups occur repeatedly in sucessive eruptions. Proximal-distal correlations indicate that the Porticello eruption occurred at 59 ± 2 ka and the Tisichiello eruption probably occurred at 76 ± 3 ka. The MEGT eruption is correlated with LGdM TM-19, which has been directly dated at 55 ± 2 ka. Post-MEGT tephras form compositional groups that overlap with the pre-MEGT but are displaced to lower FeO and TiO 2 and lower incompatible element contents. Proximal-distal correlations indicate that the Schiappone and Pietre Rosse eruptions occurred at 50.6 ± 2.0 ka and 45 ± 6 ka, respectively. Tephra from the MEGT eruption span a wide compositional range, broadly overlapping the three pre-MEGT compositional groups but are displaced to higher Nd and Y and contain an additional less evolved glass population. Glass geochemistry is used to recognise and confirm distal equivalents of the MEGT at LGdM (TM-19) and in the Ionian (Y-7), Adriatic (PRAD 1870) and Tyrrhenian (C-18, MD 28) seas. Distal occurences of MEGT tephra define a dispersal axis to the south-southeast and are found as far as 540 km from Ischia, making the MEGT one of the most widely dispersed late Quaternary pyroclastic deposit erupted in the Campanian region. We estimate a volume of approximately 40 km 3 for the fallout portion of the MEGT pyroclastic sequence on the basis of proximal and distal deposit thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischia, one active volcano of the Phlegraean Volcanic District, prone to very high risk, is dominated by a caldera formed 55 ka BP, followed by resurgence of the collapsed area. Over the past 3 ka, the activity extruded evolved potassic magmas; only a few low-energy explosive events were fed by less evolved magmas. A geochemical and Sr-Nd-O isotope investigation has been performed on minerals and glass from products of three of such eruptions, Molara, Vateliero, and Cava Nocelle (<2.6 ka BP). Data document strong mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic heterogeneities likely resulting from mingling/mixing processes among mafic and felsic magmas that already fed the Ischia volcanism in the past. Detailed study on the most mafic magma has permitted to investigate its origin. The mantle sector below Ischia underwent subduction processes that modified its pristine chemical, isotopic, and redox conditions by addition of ≤1 % of sediment fluids/melts. Similar processes occurred from Southeast to Northwest along the Apennine compressive margin, with addition of up to 2.5 % of sediment-derived material. This is shown by volcanics with poorly variable, typical δO mantle values, and Sr/Sr progressively increasing toward typical continental crust values. Multiple partial melting of this modified mantle generated distinct primary magmas that occasionally assimilated continental crust, acquiring more O than Sr. At Ischia, 7 % of Hercynian granodiorite assimilation produced isotopically distinct, K-basaltic to latitic magmas. A SW-NE regional tectonic structure gave these magmas coming from large depth the opportunity to mingle/mix with felsic magmas stagnating in shallower reservoirs, eventually triggering explosive eruptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we give an overview of the recent geophysical, geochemical and volcanological studies concerning the island of Ischia within the geological and tectonic framework of Southern Italy. Ischia is an active volcanic field that had a complex volcanic history resulting from dominant explosive and minor effusive activity, several caldera collapses, and renewed volcanism from vents located inside the collapsed area. The island is morphologically dominated by Mt. Epomeo, the result of a prominent resurgence phenomenon taking place since ca. 33ka BP, and responsible for ca. 900m of total uplift, one of the largest known compared to the relatively small size of the caldera. The uplift was accompanied by activation of faults, seismic activity and renewal of volcanism, and may be considered a main factor for inducing slope instability. For Ischia, volcanological, petrological and geophysical studies are, at present, limited compared to the other active volcanoes of the Neapolitan Area. Furthermore, the island is characterized by high volcanic, seismic and hydrogeological risks. Thus, this review is aimed at highlighting aspects of the knowledge on Ischia that need more investigations, in order to better assess some characteristics of its structural setting. Features such as the precise location of the caldera boundaries and the depth of the magma chamber representing the drive for the resurgence still need to be well defined. A critical analysis of all lines of evidence relevant to the current theories about the island resurgence (resurgent block vs. resurgent dome) has been carried out. Our analysis reveals that the resurgent block model, differently from the resurgent dome model, is consistent with the most significant features, such as tilting of the resurgent block, faults type, dip and distribution at the edges of the block, and occurrence of most of the past 10ka eruption vents on the eastern sector of the island. However, as both model require an input of fresh magma into the shallow plumbing system, it is not clear at present how much magma was necessary to achieve the measured uplift, and whether the drive was provided by magma or magmatic volatiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-resolution seismic reflection profiles (Sparker Multitip) offshore southern Ischia Island (Naples Bay) are presented, together with a geological interpretation of their volcanic, structural and sedimentary features. In this frame, new seismo-stratigraphic evidences on buried volcanic structures and overlying Quaternary deposits of the southeastern offshore of the Ischia Island are discussed to highlight their implications on the marine geophysics and volcanology. The Ischia Bank is a large and flat relic volcanic edifice with steep slopes, merging on the continental shelf. The age of this monogenic volcano is unknown, lacking a direct datation of its basement. It represents the eruptive center of the pyroclastic fall cropping out onshore in the eastern sectors of the island, ranging in age from 8 to 6 ky bp. In the eastern Ischia offshore relic volcanic edifices, mostly formed by hialoclastites, have been investigated through high-resolution seismics. They represent remnants of hydro-magmatic volcanic vents and suggest a subaqueous emplacement. Regional seismic sections in the southeastern Ischia offshore, across buried volcanic structures, are finally presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The island of Ischia is particularly susceptible to landslides and flash floods due to its particular geological and geomorphological context. Urbanization in recent decades coupled with the development of tourism has increased the risk. After the November 10, 2009 event occurring in the northern sector of the island (the town of Casamicciola), a detailed geo-morphological survey was conducted to ascertain the evolution of the phenomenon. In the watersheds upstream of Casamicciola, many landslides were mapped and the volume of material involved during detachment and sliding was estimated. In the lower course area, near the town and towards the sea, flow pathways were reconstructed with the aid of extensive video footage taken during the event. Rainfall data were also analyzed and a relationship was established between the hourly rainfall rate and the flash flood. The phenomenon was found to be quite complex, with many upstream landslides stopping before reaching the urban area. In the lower course the alluvial event occurred as a flood with a very small sediment discharge, which left a very thin layer of sediment. Reconstruction of the flash flood phenomenon suggested possible action for future risk mitigation, early warning and civil protection plans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ischia is an active volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples whose history has been dominated by a caldera-forming eruption (ca. 55 ka) and resurgence phenomena that have affected the caldera floor and generated a net uplift of about 900 m since 33 ka. The results of new geomorphological, stratigraphical and textural investigations of the products of gravitational movements triggered by volcano-tectonic events have been combined with the information arising from a reinterpretation of historical chronicles on natural phenomena such as earthquakes, ground deformation, gravitational movements and volcanic eruptions. The combined interpretation of all these data shows that gravitational movements, coeval to volcanic activity and uplift events related to the long-lasting resurgence, have affected the highly fractured marginal portions of the most uplifted Mt. Epomeo blocks. Such movements, mostly occurring since 3 ka, include debris avalanches; large debris flows (lahars); smaller mass movements (rock falls, slumps, debris and rock slides, and small debris flows); and deep-seated gravitational slope deformation. The occurrence of submarine deposits linked with subaerial deposits of the most voluminous mass movements clearly shows that the debris avalanches impacted on the sea. The obtained results corroborate the hypothesis that the behaviour of the Ischia volcano is based on an intimate interplay among magmatism, resurgence dynamics, fault generation, seismicity, slope oversteepening and instability, and eruptions. They also highlight that volcano-tectonically triggered mass movements are a potentially hazardous phenomena that have to be taken into account in any attempt to assess volcanic and related hazards at Ischia. Furthermore, the largest mass movements could also flow into the sea, generating tsunami waves that could impact on the island's coast as well as on the neighbouring and densely inhabited coast of the Neapolitan area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present an “event stratigraphy” framework built for the last 23calka marine record in the southern offshore of Ischia Island based on AMS 14C dating and tephrostratigraphic analysis of 11 gravity cores. Two collapse events have been recovered in the record: a) the Ischia submarine debris avalanche/debris flow (DA/DF), dated between ~3kaB.P. and 2.4kaB.P. and possibly between 2.7kaB.P. and 2.4kaB.P. (event DF1); b) a former, pre-Holocene, DA/DF older than 23calkaB.P. (event DF2). The Ischia DA, with an estimated volume of 1.5km3, incorporates thousands of blocks that are still detectable on the sea-floor until 45–50km far from the island. Our results indicate an age of emplacement younger than previously thought and support the hypothesis that a major catastrophic event occurred when the island was already inhabited by Greek settlers (i.e. after the 7th century BC). Three ash layers have been recognised in the post-DF1 avalanche sequence and correlated with Ischian eruptions occurred between Middle Ages and Roman times. Two tephras recovered in the pre-DF1 succession have been correlated with explosive activity occurred on Ischia and Procida islands from ~23ka to ~17.5kaB.P. The results presented here improve the chronostratigraphic reconstruction of the main eruptive and collapse events that affected Ischia volcano during Late Pleistocene–Holocene and their dispersal at sea. The occurrence of at least two major collapsing events in the past 23kyr confirms the close genetic relationship between gravity failures and Mt. Epomeo uplift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ischia is a well exposed and densely populated late Quaternary caldera in the Campanian magmatic province of Italy. Ischia Caldera experienced an average uplift rate of 3.3 cm/year in the last ca. 30 ka and is still actively resurging. During the last 10 ka, coeval with the resurgence, a volcanic field of alkali-trachytic to trachyandesitic lava domes, lava flows, tuff and scoria rings, and pumice cones developed, mainly on the eastern sector of the caldera, along both resurgence-related faults and regional NNW- and NE-striking faults. In order to improve both our understanding of the recent volcanic history and the evaluation of future risks on Ischia Island, a high-precision archaeomagnetic dating method was applied to the products of 12 volcanic centres with probable age <10 ka. Accurate paleofield directions with a median 95% confidence angle of 1.47 were measured on 277 lava and spatter samples (25 sites). Coupled with the reference curves for secular variation in the western Mediterranean sea (during the last 3000 years) and eastern Europe (from 3000 to 8000 years ago), ages of between 4100 BC and 355 AD were obtained. These archaeomagnetic data were supported by a volcanologic and stratigraphic survey and are consistent with written sources, archaeological findings, and previous isotopic (K/Ar and 14C) ages. Archaeomagnetic and other geochronological data, as well as stratigraphic constraints, show that, during the studied time interval, Ischia volcanism occurred in five periods separated by phases of quiescence and coeval with earthquake and landslide events. This fact suggests a pulsating mode of uplifting and deformations of the Ischia resurgence. During the two oldest periods of activity (7200–6800 BC and 4100–2300 BC), resurgence probably produced a dome-shaped structure. Location and geometry of vents suggest the occurrence of magma uprise along the fractures produced by bending of the overburden crustal block. Most of magma was emplaced as intrusions at the interior of the resurgent block, whereas volcanism was represented by very viscous, differentiated, and crystallized lavas that emplaced as domes and high aspect-ratio flows. The resurgent dome caused recurrent lateral collapses that removed about 2.5 km3 of rocks. During the three youngest periods of activity (1800–1000 BC; 650 BC –355 AD; and 1302 AD), resurgence affected a fault-bounded, asymmetric block. This resulted from both (a) hydrostatic rebound of the crustal block after removal of material involved into huge slope instability triggering an increase in uplift rate, and (b) new influxes of less evolved magma batches into the shallow reservoir that, in turn, favoured the intense volcanism of the last 4000 years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ischia volcano, in Central Italy, has long been known for its copious surface hydrothermal manifestations, signs of a pervasive circulation of hot fluids in the subsurface. Because of the significant chemical heterogeneity of fumarolic gas discharges and hot spring discharges, evidences of a complex hydrothermal setting, a definite model of fluid circulation at depth is currently unavailable, in spite of the several previous efforts. Here, we report on the chemical and isotopic composition of 120 groundwater samples, collected during several sampling surveys from 2002 to 2007. The acquired data suggest that the composition of surface manifestations reflect contributions from meteoric water, sea water, and thermal fluids rising from two distinct hydrothermal reservoir, with equilibrium temperatures of respectively ~150 °C and ~270 °C, and depths of 150–300 m and >300 m (but possibly >1000 m). We also make use of an isotopic characterization of the dissolved gas phase in thermal waters to demonstrate that the Ischia hydrothermal system is currently supplied by a deep-rising gas component (DGC), characterized by CO2 ~97.7±1.2 vol.% (on a water-free basis), δ 13CCO2 =−3.51±0.9‰, and helium isotopic ratio of about 3.5 Ra (3He/4He ratio normalized to the air ratio, R a), likely magmatic in origin. An assessment of the thermal budget for Ischia hydrothermal system is also presented, in the attempt to derive a first estimate of the size and rate of degassing of the magmatic reservoir feeding the gas emissions. We calculate that a heat flow of about 153–222 MW presently drives hydrothermal circulation on the island, which we suggest is supplied in convective form (e.g., by the ascent of a high-T magmatic vapour phase) by complete degassing of 2.2–3.3·107 m3 yr−1 of trachytic magma (with ~2.1 wt.% dissolved H2O content). If extrapolated to entire period of quiescence lasting since the Arso eruption in 1302 A.D., this volume corresponds to 1.6–2.3·1010 m3 of magma degassed in about 700 years of quiescent activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The results of a detailed stratigraphic study, carried out in the areas located to the east and south-west of Mt. Epomeo at Ischia, are presented and compared with those of previous geological, archaeological and historical investigations to show the relationships among caldera resurgence, volcanism and slope instability in the past 5.5 ka. Resurgence at Ischia began at about 30 ka B.P. and occurred through intermittent uplifting and tectonic quietness phases. During the past 5.5 ka reactivation of faults and related volcanic activity was accompanied by emplacement of deposits generated by surface gravitational movements. These deposits were generated in four main phases, dated between 5.5 and 2.9 ka, around 2.9 ka, between 2.6 and 2.3 ka, and between 2.3 and 1.9 ka, respectively. Deposits formed by gravitational movements preceded and followed the emplacement of volcanic rocks, testifying that slope instability was induced by vertical movements, which also activated and/or reactivated faults and fractures that fed volcanism. The results of this study therefore suggest that, although slope failure can occur as a consequence of a variety of factors, resurgence has to be considered a factor inducing a particularly intense slope instability. Resurgence is accompanied by activation of faults and renewal of volcanism, causing oversteepening of the slopes and generating seismicity that could trigger surface gravitational movements. Furthermore, the availability of large amount of loose material, rapidly accumulated along the slopes during eruptions, favors landslide generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to improve the microscopic understanding of the water–magma interaction process during explosive volcanism, volcanic glasses representative of deposits with sedimentological characteristics suggesting different water/melt ratios were studied by a combination of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and TIMS methods. The glasses were separated from pumices of two surge layers and one fallout bed of the Cretaio Tephra (Ischia Island, Italy), which is the product of an explosive eruption that occurred at Ischia in the second century BC. The 29Si CP–MAS NMR experiments indicate the occurrence of 1H–29Si dipolar couplings in glasses from the phreatomagmatic activity, suggesting the presence of hydrogen atoms in proximity of silicon atoms. This feature is not detected in the glass from the deposit of the magmatic explosion. 1H MAS NMR spectra reveal different peaks attributed to different hydrous species characterized by different motional properties. These include ‘rigid’ H2O groups isolated in the glass structure, more mobile water species and possibly structural hydroxyl groups. 1H MAS NMR spectra recorded after deuteration experiments of the glass at a temperature up to 300°C revealed that the exchange reactions of the D2O vapor with hydrogen were limited to the most mobile water species, possibly on vesicle surfaces or in channels. The hydrogen concentration linearly correlates with the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio in glasses, suggesting isotopic tracer exchanges between the Sr dissolved in the water vapor and the Sr in the silicon–oxygen network during hydration. It is proposed that the uprising melt interacted with a hydrothermal system of seawater-derived fluids, characterized by relatively high Sr isotopic composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fumarolic fluid compositions and diffuse soil emissions of hydrothermal fluids of the Donna Rachele area (0.86 km2, western flank of Mt. Epomeo, Ischia Island) have been studied in order to develop a conceptual geochemical model of the hydrothermal system. The degassing area was mapped and the total release of hydrothermal gas and heat associated with the diffuse emission of hydrothermal fluids was estimated. A mesostructural study was carried out in order to investigate the relations between the brittle structures and the main pathways of the uprising vapor. The fumarolic compositions are typical of hydrothermal fluids and water (>99%) represents the major component. All gas species in the H2O–H2–CO–CH4–CO2–H2S system are close to equilibrium concentrations at temperatures of ∼300°C and at redox conditions slightly more oxidizing than expected. The compositions of the Donna Rachele fumarolic gas approach the pure liquid equilibrium composition. This indicates a high fraction of separated vapor and suggests the presence of a highly energetic hydrothermal system at depth. The pure liquid equilibrium compositions of the Donna Rachele fumaroles, along with the historical records of shallow seismicity, the ‘explosion’ of a well in 1995, the occurrence of intense acoustic phenomena and of shallow wells discharging vapor indicate that the internal pressure of the hydrothermal system is occasionally larger than the hydrostatic pressure. To quantify the energy dissipated in the Donna Rachele area by the emission of fumarolic fluids, the hydrothermal diffuse degassing was studied by means of 336 soil CO2 flux measurements. The highest CO2 fluxes were measured in hydrothermally altered areas along the faults that border Mt. Epomeo. Structural data indicate that the vapor rises up along NW–SE striking normal faults related to gravity-induced stresses and affecting highly fractured lavas. The older faults, which are related to the Mt. Epomeo resurgence, act as a permeability barrier and bound the Donna Rachele diffuse degassing structure. The total hydrothermal CO2 output was estimated to be ∼9 t d−1. Assuming that the H2O/CO2 ratio of the fluids that feed the diffuse degassing is the same as that of fumarolic effluents, the calculated heat flux is ∼40 MW. This value, which represents an important energy release, is only a part of the total thermal energy release of Ischia, where other fumarolic areas occur. The results obtained at Ischia indicate the importance of thermal energy released by diffuse degassing structures in the energy balance of quiescent volcanoes. Values of the thermal energy release from the Ischia hydrothermal system are comparable with those estimated on other quiescent volcanoes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Resurgent blocks are uplifted parts of volcanoes where most of the deformation (uplift) is accommodated along peripheral faults. The island of Ischia, Italy, has an active resurgent block uplifted ∼1000 m in the last ∼30 ka, which allows us to investigate the deformation associated with a strong uplift in volcanic areas. Air-photo interpretation was matched with field work (1:5000 scale mapping and structural analysis) throughout the resurgent block. These results have been matched with a review of the seismic and hydrothermal activity at Ischia. The results show that the block has a polygonal shape in map view and is characterized by a trapdoor uplift, which results in a ∼15° tilt towards the SE. The northern, most uplifted part is bordered by E–W- and NE–SW-trending faults, arranged in parallel segments over an area ∼1.5 km wide. I0≥5 MCS degree shallow (1–1.6 km depth) earthquakes focused in correspondence with the outermost set of faults on the northernmost part of the block. Here, variations in the hydrothermal activity have been observed during seismic events. Previously performed analogue models show that resurgent blocks are bordered by inward-dipping high-angle reverse faults (outermost fault system) and outward-dipping normal faults (innermost fault system). We propose a model of trapdoor uplift of a block which induces reverse faulting, responsible for seismicity and hydrothermal variations along the most uplifted part. Outward-dipping normal faults, in the innermost part, form as a consequence of the gravitational sliding of the volumes bordered by the reverse faults. The further reactivation of the outermost reverse faults triggers a new cycle of intermittent trapdoor uplift of the block. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Geothermal Power. • Ischia. • Geothermal Wells. • Binary Plants. • Hot Water Utilization. Many articles have been published on the pioneering activity carried out in Larderello for the exploitation of the geothermal resources present there. Little is known, however, of the equally pioneering activities carried out in Italy around 500 km south of Larderello for the exploitation of the warm waters found on the Ischia island in front of the Gulf of Naples. With this article we want to analyze the technological evolution that since the 1930s has made it possible to produce electricity from hot water. There are many factors that have made this pioneering development possible. The first one is linked to the geological conditions present on the island, the second one concerns the evolution of the drilling activity which has made available more and more hot water and then steam. The third is linked to the presence, at the engineering faculty of the "Federico II" University of Naples, of creative minds who have designed and made possible the realization of prototypes of binary fluid systems. Starting from a small size of 10 CV (1 CV = 0,98631 HP) working with pure fluids, reaching a size of 300 kW working with immiscible fluids mixtures. In this way they have anticipated the future development of this technology. The article analyzes all these factors to describe the birth, development and decline of this unique experience from which valid lessons can be drawn even in our day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]