The coastal areas of the Bay of Naples: sedimentary dynamics and geological evolution of the Naples canyons

Sedimentary dynamics and geological evolution of the Naples canyons during the Late Quaternary have been studied based on sedimentological and seismo-stratigraphic data. Several factors, including the sedimentary environments, the tectonic setting, and the volcanic eruptions have controlled the geological evolution of the coastal and marine areas of the Bay of Naples. The main data and methods include the sedimentological data analysis, the seismo-stratigraphic techniques applied in the geological interpretation of seismic profiles, and the integrated analysis of core data, previously published. The formation of the Dohrn canyon is controlled by the fluvial processes, active in correspondence with the Schiazzano palaeo-river system and by the main eruptive events involving the submarine portion of the Naples Bay, including the Campanian Ignimbrite (CI; 39 ky B.P.) and the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT; 15 ky B.P.). The formation of the Magnaghi canyon is controlled by erosional processes on the continental slope of Procida Island, which was active during the last eruptive phases of the island (Solchiaro Formation; 18 ky B.P.) triggering high rates of volcaniclastic supply.