14C geochronological constraints for the volcanic history of the island of Ischia (Italy) over the last 5000 years

Abstract

The chronology of the most significant eruptions at the island of Ischia in the last 5000 years has been studied by means of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry to obtain 14C data. The results are in good agreement with stratigraphical and archeological constraints. This allows interpretation of the measured dates as ages of the eruptions which produced the deposits overlying or incorporating the sampled paleosols and charcoal fragments, respectively. These ages define the timing of volcanism in the last 5000 years, suggesting that the recent volcanic activity at Ischia is characterized by periods of very intense volcanism alternating to periods of quiescence. This timing of the volcanism is correlated with the behaviour of the magmatic system and dynamics of resurgence of the Mt. Epomeo block.