Tephrochronology of the NDT09 core (Marsili Basin): Unraveling the style, timing, and frequency of peri-Tyrrhenian volcanism

The Tyrrhenian Basin is a natural laboratory for tephrochronology, serving as an exceptional, nearly-proximal archive for the eruptive products of several highly active volcanic provinces. Investigations in this region have proven exceptionally productive for correlating and synchronizing geological records and reconstructing the explosive history of the Central Mediterranean region; however, continuous, high-resolution records are still requisite for fully resolving complex eruptive sequences. Within this context, we present a detailed characterization of the 5.7 m long NDT09 marine sediment sequence retrieved from the Marsili Basin, conducted as part of the AMUSED project (https://progetti.ingv.it/index.php/it/amused). By integrating textural analyses (SEM) with high-precision glass geochemistry (EMPA and LA-ICP-MS), radiocarbon dating, and paleomagnetic data, we established a robust age-depth model for the NDT09 core, spanning the last ca. 15 ka. This multiproxy approach facilitated the identification of 20 distinct tephra and cryptotephra layers. Chemical fingerprinting correlates these deposits unequivocally to the Campi Flegrei, Somma-Vesuvius, Aeolian Islands, and Ischia volcanic complexes. In particular, we identified the following eruptions for Campi Flegrei: Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT), La Pigna 1, Soccavo 1, Pomici Principali, Fondi di Baia, and at least three undetermined eruptions. For the Somma-Vesuvius volcano, we recognized eruptions of Mercato, AP3, and 512 A.D.. For the Aeolian Islands, we recognized the activity of Vallone del Gabellotto of Lipari and an eruption within the Upper Brown Tuff phase of Vulcano. Lastly, we identified tephra from Cannavale and Arso eruptions sourced by Ischia. Furthermore, the stratigraphy highlights the presence of turbiditic deposits, potentially resulting from mass-wasting events originating on the flanks of insular volcanic edifices.
Crucially, this sedimentary record provides novel insights into eruptive frequencies and dispersal patterns. Rather than merely confirming established stratigraphies, our results delineate previously unrecognized explosive events and refine the temporal recurrence interval of major volcanic phases.
This high-resolution reconstruction provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics and recurrence rates of peri-Tyrrhenian volcanism, allows the refinement of age constraints, and the recognition of new and intriguing insights for deciphering the volcanic history of peri-Tyrrhenian volcanoes.