Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering

Mediterranean Tropical-Like Cyclones (MTLCs), commonly referred to as Medicanes, are tropical-like storms increasingly affecting the Mediterranean basin. Their dynamics result from the interaction of convection, boundary-layer processes, and mesoscale circulation, leading to a multiscale organization that is still only partially understood. This study examines the internal structure of Medicane Ianos by combining a 1 km Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulation with two complementary data-driven approaches: Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) for the spatial organization of the flow, and Empirical Mode Decomposition with Hilbert Spectral Analysis (EMD-HSA) for its temporal scaling properties. The POD results reveal a vertically stratified system dominated near the surface by boundary-layer forcing, with energy concentrated in a small number of coherent modes. Higher in the troposphere, the flow becomes more uniform and isotropic, while small-scale features persist as embedded structures shaped by the evolving circulation. Temporal fluctuations inside the eyewall display clear changes with height: temperature variability shows strong persistence in the lower troposphere, while correlations weaken progressively at higher levels, a pattern confirmed by the vertical distribution of Hurst exponents. Overall, the analysis depicts Ianos as a layered multiscale system and demonstrates how data-driven decomposition can effectively complement dynamical modeling in the study of MTLCs. • Ianos displays a vertically stratified structure, with planetary boundary layer forcing dominating the lowest levels and a transition toward more uniform flow in the free troposphere. • Energy distribution across scales reveals that large vortical structures govern the system, while smaller features persist as embedded patterns shaped by the evolving circulation. • Temporal fluctuations inside the eyewall show stronger persistence near the surface and a gradual weakening aloft, revealing a layered nature of the cyclone’s internal variability.

Active volcanic areas located within densely urbanized regions require reliable geophysical methods to characterize the subsurface and support seismic hazard assessment and monitoring strategies. The Campi Flegrei area (Southern Italy) represents a paradigmatic example, where hydrothermal activity, fluid circulation, and strong lateral heterogeneities, combined with urban constraints, make subsurface velocity modeling particularly challenging.In this framework, and in response to the seismic sequence that began in 2023, an extensive campaign of experimental geophysical investigations was promoted and funded by the Italian Department of Civil Protection in the Campi Flegrei area. We present a multi-method seismic investigation based on 66 Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR), 11 2D seismic array and 20 Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) measurements at 20 sites. Shear-wave velocity (Vs) profiles were derived at each site through joint inversion of the dispersion curve (retrieved from 2D seismic array data and MASW) with ellipticity of the Rayleigh waves.All HVSR measurements consistently exhibit a low-frequency peak (f0 ≈ 0.2–0.5 Hz), interpreted as the response of the deep caldera fill sediments. Further peaks at frequencies above 0.5 Hz may be associated with shallow impedance contrasts. The fundamental frequency (f0) seems reflecting lateral variations in the depth and stiffness of the caldera fill. Significant variability in HVSR amplitude, sharpness and polarization, reflects the interplay between geological heterogeneity and urban noise sources.The joint inversion approach reduces model non-uniqueness and provides well-constrained Vs profiles, improving the physical interpretation of HVSR features in terms of stratigraphy and velocity contrasts. This study highlights the potential of HVSR-based methods in active volcanic and urbanized settings and emphasizes the importance of combining passive and active methods to address geological complexity and anthropogenic interference, paving the way for further multi-scale studies and their application in urban volcanic contexts worldwide.The resulting Vs velocity profiles provide further information for interpreting the stratigraphic features and discontinuities of the caldera fill, useful for integration with other type of studies (hydrothermal alteration) and other type of geophysical dataMoreover, the results of this study offer valuable tools for geohazard assessment and constitute a preliminary step towards the seismic microzonation of the area.

Within the activities of the Geophysical Prospecting Unit (UR2) of the MS Campi Flegrei project, funded by the Department of Civil Protection, shallow and deep geoelectrical tomography surveys as well as passive seismic surveys, including single-station measurements and 2D arrays, were performed. These investigations aimed to support the development of a subsurface geological model of the study area for seismic microzonation. This paper presents and discusses the preliminary results of a Deep Electrical Resistivity Tomography (DERT) survey, reaching an investigation depth of approximately 2 km. Campi Flegrei, located west of Naples, is one of the most active and extensively studied volcanic areas in the world. It is a large caldera formed by massive explosive eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago. In recent decades, the area has been affected by intensified seismic activity and bradyseism, expressed as ground uplift and subsidence driven by subsurface magmatic processes. Several geological and volcanological aspects of the Campi Flegrei caldera are still debated within the scientific community, and many questions remain open regarding the magmatic systems responsible for caldera-forming eruptions. A single, widely accepted model has yet to emerge; however, ongoing and newly proposed investigations continue to improve our understanding of the dynamics of the Campi Flegrei caldera. In this framework, shallow and deep Electrical Resistivity Tomography were carried out in order to obtain the electrical resistivity distribution associated with volcanic features, such as hydrothermal systems, fluid interactions and temperature variations (Finizzola et al., 2006). The acquired DERT data set was processed and elaborated through a procedure built ad hoc for this type of geoelectric surveys (Rizzo et al., 2004) and an optimization of the field work was used to overcome the logistical difficulties of the area (heavy urbanisation, traffic, restricted traffic area, etc.). All the data acquired was appropriately processed (Rizzo et al., 2022) to obtain a 3D model of the subsoil resistivity, providing useful information on the subsoil of the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. ReferencesFinizola, A. Revil, E. Rizzo, S. Piscitelli, T. Ricci, J. Morin, B. Angeletti, L. Mocochain, and F. Sortino (2006). Hydrogeological insights at Stromboli volcano (Italy) from geoelectrical, temperature, and CO2 soil degassing investigations. Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 33, l17304, 2006Rizzo E., Colella, A., Lapenna, V. and Piscitelli, S. (2004). “High-resolution images of the fault controlled High Agri Valley basin (Southern Italy) with deep and shallow Electrical Resistivity Tomographies”. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 29, 321-327Rizzo E., V. Giampaolo, L. Capozzoli, G. De Martino, G., Romano, A. Santilano, A. Manzella (2022). 3D deep geoelectrical exploration in the Larderello geothermal sites (Italy), Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, volume 329-330, 106906 doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pepi.2022.1069

The Monte San Nicola (MSN) section on Sicily (Italy) hosts the Gelasian and Quaternary Global Stratotype Section and Points (GSSP). Despite its importance, the spatial and temporal continuity of the succession at MSN remains hotly debated and has not yet been convincingly proven, as tectonic deformation may disrupt and reduce continuity. Such deformation and lack of continuity would potentially make the section unsuitable for defining global chronostratigraphic boundaries and units. To solve the continuity problem, we conducted a visual inspection of the cycle pattern in the field. This method uses astronomical target curves and a simplified modelled log in the time domain that considers the anticipated expression of both glacial cycles and sapropels. Identification of the cycle pattern is specifically used 1) as an impartial check on the completeness and continuity of the succession, 2) to determine the optimal cyclic composite section and trajectory for logging and sampling, and 3) to establish a reliable astronomical tuning that is largely independent of previous attempts. Our field observations are in excellent agreement with the modelled ideal log, resulting in a robust tuning and age model. The tuning, which shows that a complete and continuous succession is preserved in the NW gully complex at MSN, is largely consistent with the tuning proposed by the SAGE team for the Mandorlo section located in the same complex. The SE complex, which currently hosts the GSSP, is more deformed, resulting in a tectonic reduction of the stratigraphy. Finally, we argue that the NW complex may serve as future Astro-Unit-Stratotype (AUS) for the Gelasian Stage with the astronomically controlled cycles being formally defined as Astrochronozones. Such a designation may provide an additional argument for relocating the GSSP at the same stratigraphic level from the more strongly deformed SE complex to the NW complex at Monte San Nicola. • Visual cyclostratigraphy of Monte San Nicola with sapropels and ice ages is presented (85). • Succession is continuous and despite deformation suitable to establish robust tuning (84). • SE complex currently hosting the GSSP type section is tectonically more deformed (80). • NW complex may serve as Astro-Unit-Stratotype for Gelasian Stage in the future (78). • NW complex likely superior for locating Gelasian, Pleistocene and Quaternary GSSP (81).

The ostracod assemblages from the Bonares-Casa del Pino section in the Lower Guadalquivir Basin, part of the lower Pliocene Arenas de Huelva Formation, have been analysed for palaeoenvironmental purposes. These assemblages form part of a subtropical/tropical biota, consistent with findings from earlier studies on fossil remains within the Zanclean deposits in the Southwestern Iberian Peninsula. The present study marks the first application of the Specific Population Species Index Method, originally developed to distinguish autochthonous from allochthonous species in Recent assemblages, to fossil ostracods. Through both quantitative and statistical analyses, the autochthonous nature of both dominant and characteristic species was recognized. The succession was deposited in the northernmost sector of the East Atlantic lower Pliocene tropical palaeo-ecoregion (also known as Atlantic Andalusian Pliocene Mollusc Unit 1), within shallow waters. The attribution to the offshore transition zone, close to the boundary between infralittoral and circalittoral zones, prompted clarification of vertical zonation terminology for both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, in Recent and Pliocene marine environments. • First application of the Specific Population Species (SPS) index method to fossil ostracod assemblages. • Analysis of ostracods from the Lower Pliocene Arenas de Huelva Formation in the Guadalquivir Basin. • Assemblages indicate a shallow marine subtropical/tropical palaeoenvironment during the Zanclean. • Autochthonous nature of dominant and characteristic species confirmed through quantitative analysis. • Results contribute to refining vertical zonation frameworks for Atlantic and Mediterranean marine systems.

Flanks of active volcanic islands are dynamic environments that may create geohazards for the surrounding communities. This is the case of the submarine Gelso Canyon along the southern flank of the active Vulcano volcano in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea. This canyon is characterized by two main branches, cutting back to some meters of water depths, close the coast. A small pier, representing an important infrastructure for the evacuation of the island (a UNESCO site) in case of volcanic eruption, is located in correspondence of one of these branches. In this study, we show the rapid morphological evolution of the upper section of the Gelso Canyon over the last 20 years through the integrated analysis of repeated bathymetric surveys and seafloor videos. This evolution has been dominated by seafloor erosion due to the occurrence of sedimentary gravity flows over steep slopes (> 15°). Multiple factors have promoted the development of such flows, such as: (a) the morphological link between canyon branches and the subaerial drainage network, made up of short and steep creeks with torrential regime, (b) the interception and downslope funnelling of the littoral drift, due to the pier construction, (c) the frequent storm-waves that hit the coastline, as recently occurred on 8–10 January 2024. Localized seafloor erosion has generated a progressive deepening around the submarine base of the pier, so mining its stability. These results support the use of a multiscale geomorphological approach for monitoring active volcanic areas, providing insights for a geohazard assessment of coastal environments.

This study focuses on microstructure, chemistry, and patina characterisation of eleven archaeological bronze artefacts from two contexts of the Middle Tiber Valley (Viterbo, Central Italy). The samples were unearthed in the cistern at Spoletino (1st -4th century AD) and in the late Roman-early Medieval necropolis of Castel Sozzio (5th-7th century AD). They were analysed using optical microscopy (OM), micro-Raman spectroscopy (µ-Raman), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and electrochemical investigations. OM explored corrosion products on the surfaces, highlighting mineralogical and structural heterogeneity of the patinas. SEM-EDS analysis showed the presence of binary (Cu-Sn) and ternary (Cu-Pb-Sn) alloys with minor and trace elements. The binary alloys were used for good hardness artefacts, and the ternary ones for those that required easy metal working. Selective enrichment and depletion of the alloying metals produced broad chemical variations and structural heterogeneity in the patinas. Micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed different corrosion products such as cuprite (Cu2O), lazurite (Na7Ca(Al6Si6O24)(SO4)(S3)·H2O), malachite (CuCO3Cu(OH)2), and phosgenite (Pb2Cl2CO3). The presence of lazurite in two samples was linked to sulphur-rich burial environments, while phosgenite was linked to the interactions with Cl and a CO2-rich burial environment. Metallurgical practices, such as slow cooling rates and lead segregation during casting, promoted mineralogical and structural heterogeneity in the patinas due to interactions with the burial environment, where decomposition of organic matter occurred. Electrochemical data permitted the estimation of the corrosion rates for all artefacts at remarkably low levels (0–0.1 mm/year), reflecting stable burial conditions and the protective nature of the patinas. These results suggest that the burial environments in the Middle Tiber Valley were non-aggressive, facilitating the development of layered patinas influenced primarily by oxygen and carbon dioxide from humus-rich soils, with a lesser contribution from salts.