Seafloor response to large volcanic activity and geohazard implications in Naples bay, southern Italy.

In this study marine geophysical investigations were utilized to recognize, compare and classify seafloor fea-tures related to volcanic activity in the Naples Bay, southern Italy. The dataset includes swath bathymetry, side-scan sonar, as well as single-channel and multichannel reflection seismics. Ground truth was provided by detailed analysis of gravity cores. By integrating these data, large portions of the seafloor were mapped, providing important information for geohazard assessment. In the Naples Bay major hazard-related seafloor features mainly correlate with episodes of intense volcano-tectonic activity that produce a significant geomorphic disturbance of the coastal depositional system. This area comprises the most active volcanoes, namely Somma-Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei caldera, and Ischia Is-land. The oldest identified volcanic products date back to about 300-400 ka in the Vesuvian area. The inten-sive volcanic activity shaped the coastal morphology and delivered large amounts of volcanoclastic material with significant geohazard implications.