Geological evidence for recurrent collapse-driven phreatomagmatic pyroclastic density currents in the Holocene activity of Stromboli volcano, Italy

Abstract

We present a multidisciplinary geological study of lithified to unconsolidated, ash-rich lapilli-tuff deposits bearing accretionary lapilli that crop out in scattered sites along the lower slopes of the Stromboli volcano (southern Italy). These deposits are related to three pyroclastic successions (called Semaforo Nuovo, Secche di Lazzaro and Semaforo Labronzo) with distinctive lithologic and volcanologic features, and different stratigraphic position within the Neostromboli volcano-stratigraphy (Holocene). Their juvenile clasts have slightly different major and trace element compositions (whole-rock and glass), isotopic ratios and mineralogical characteristics, although they are all within the most evolved high-K shoshonites typical of Neostromboli. The three successions are independently recognized in distinct sectors of the volcano, displaying an asymmetric areal distribution that is interpreted as the result of directed pyroclastic density currents (and minor fallout) generated from summit eruptive vents. Lithological characteristics and morphoscopic features of ash particles indicate phreatomagmatic fragmentation (combined with mechanisms of volatile exsolution or decompression), which is atypical with respect to the dominant Strombolian/effusive eruptive behaviour of Stromboli during the Holocene. We suggest that the three phreatomagmatic eruptions are linked to different major lateral collapses (associated to flank fissure eruptions) that occurred along the NW-dipping Sciara del Fuoco collapsed flank. It is argued that the collapses have unloaded the magmatic and hydrothermal system enabling magma-water interaction and explosive decompression of a shallow magma reservoir. The recurrent collapse-eruption link with generation of directed PDCs able to reach the lower slopes of the volcano highlights a previously underestimated source of volcanic hazard at Stromboli.