Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
We present an updated geological evolution
of Mount Etna volcano based on new 40Ar/39Ar age
determinations and stratigraphic data integrating the
previous K/Ar ages. Volcanism began at about 500 ka
ago through submarine eruptions on the Gela–Catania
Foredeep basin. About 300 ka ago fissure-type eruptions
occurred on the ancient alluvial plain of the Simeto
River forming a lava plateau. From about 220 ka
ago the eruptive activity was localised mainly along the
Ionian coast where fissure-type eruptions built a shield
volcano. Between 129 and 126 ka ago volcanism shifted
westward toward the central portion of the present
volcano (Val Calanna–Moscarello area). Furthermore,
scattered effusive eruptions on the southern periphery
of Etna edifice occurred until about 121 ka ago. The
stabilization of the plumbing system on the Valle del
Bove area is marked by the building of two small
polygenic edifices, Tarderia and Rocche volcanoes.
Their eruptive activity was rather coeval ending 106
and 102 ka ago, respectively. During the investigated
time-span volcanism in Etna region was controlled by a
main E–W extensional tectonic related to the reactivation
of Malta Escarpment fault system in eastern
Sicily.
Description:
Published
Description:
On line First
Description:
3.5. Geologia e storia dei sistemi vulcanici
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
reserved
Keywords:
Mount Etna
;
40Ar/39Ar dating
;
04. Solid Earth::04.04. Geology::04.04.99. General or miscellaneous
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
