ISSN:
1437-3262
Keywords:
Tephrostratigraphy Tephrochronology Basaltic explosive eruptions Tephra marker beds Y1 tephra layer X4 tephra layer Quaternary Etna
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract. The pyroclastic deposits of Etna have been correlated over the whole volcanic edifice for the first time, allowing the construction of a continuous record of tephra-producing events, which extends from approximately 100 ka to the Present. In this interval, five main periods of explosive activity have been identified: (a) ∼100-ka strombolian to subplinian activity; (b) 80- to 100-ka plinian benmoreitic activity; (c) 16- to 80-ka strombolian to subplinian from basaltic to mugearitic activity; (d) 15.5- to 15-ka plinian benmoreitic activity accompanying the caldera-forming eruptions of the Ellittico Volcano; and (e) the most recent 13-ka basaltic explosive activity of strombolian and subplinian type of the present edifice that also includes the 122-B.C. plinian eruption. This study results in a semi-quantitative and in some cases quantitative definition of the intensity and chronology of the explosive activity at Etna. Moreover, this work gives a new significance to the volcanic hazards of Etna, a volcano generally considered to be the site of gentle effusive eruptions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s005310000117
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