Sedimentological and paleontological features of sea floor sediments of Banco di Penta Palummo and Banco di Miseno. A case study in the Gulf of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)

A sedimentological and paleontological study has been carried out on surficial sediments of Penta Palummo and Miseno volcanic banks, in the Gulf of Naples (South-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea). The deposits consist of bioclastic sand (coralline algae, bryozoans, gastropods, bivalvs and echinoderms). The benthic foraminiferal assemblage is mainly characterized by epiphytic species. Bioclastic sand is autochtonous and derived from breakdown of algal buildups.