Holocene stratigraphy and depositional architecture of eastern Pozzuoli Bay (Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea margin, Italy): the influence of tectonics and wave-induced currents

Pozzuoli Bay is located in the eastern Tyrrhenian Sea and is an area characterized by active tectonics and volcanism. On the basis of high-resolution seismic reflection profiles, it was possible to reconstruct the stratigraphy and three-dimensional stratal architecture of the Holocene succession. Two volcanic units and three sedimentary ones were recognized. The basal unit NC consists of volcanic deposits and dates at 10.0-8.0 ka B.P. It is followed by unit D, deposited between 8.0 and 5.5 ka B.P., which displays a backstepping configuration in the central area and a forestepping configuration in the northern area. Unit D is covered by the progradational unit B which is elongated in a SE-NW direction. Unit C is interbedded between unit B and is interpreted as the volcanic products of the Agnano-Monte Spina eruption which occured 4.4 B.P. Unit A, the youngest unit, shows a progradational configuration and is elongated in a E-W direction. The sedimentary units record the transgressive and highstand of the eustatic sea level. They show vertical and lateral variations in the depositional architecture. Changes in the stacking pattern record variations in tectonic subsidence and hydrodynamic regimes.