The interaction of volcanic activity in quaternary times upon the evolution of the Alcantara and Simeto Rivers, Mount Etna, Sicily
1982; Elsevier BV; Volume: 9; Issue: 1-2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s0341-8162(82)80020-9
ISSN1872-6887
Autores Tópico(s)Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
ResumoThe interaction between volcanic and alluvial sequences is described for the Alcantara and Simeto Valleys, Mount Etna, Sicily. This study provides valuable information on the stratigraphy for prehistoric lavas exposed on the lower western flanks of the volcano. Eight orders of terrace are recognised in the Simeto Valley. The Basal Tholeiitic Volcanics, the oldest exposed lavas of Etna, are associated with Terrace 7 of the Simeto which is correlated with either the pre-Rianian (Nomentanan erosive phase), or the early Rianian Stage of the Pleistocene. The earliest evidence of Trachybasaltic volcanism in the Simeto catchment occurs in Terrace 4 which is considered to be of Late Maspinian age. The oldest known volcanics in the north western part of the volcano are related to Terrace 3 which is dated at around 20000 BP. The alluvial deposits of these terraces provide a valuable sequence of Italian Quaternary sediments dating back over the last 300000 years. The nature of these deposits is described and the probable conditions of their deposition considered. The terraces in the upper part of the Alcantara are quite different in their mode of formation from the lava-capped cut and fill terraces of the Simeto Valley. The current upper course of the Alcantara River is considered to be quite youthful (Versilian) in age and the terraces are bench features formed as the river cut down through the lava sequence.
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