Subduction-related episodes of K-alkaline magmatism (15–0.1 Ma) and geodynamic implications in the north Tyrrhenian — central Italy region: a review

Abstract

In the north Tyrrhenian region and adjoining shores of Alpine Corsica and central Italy, four magmatic phases (15–14; 8–6; 5–2; and 1.3–0.1 Ma) are present which consist prevailingly of either old acidic and lamproitic rocks or young (1.3–0.1 Ma) basic volcanics with potassic–ultrapotassic affinity (the rocks of the K and HK series of the Roman province, and the kamafugitic rocks). Composition, age and location of the igneous phases reveal a geochemical polarity oriented from west to east. The episodes of magmatic activity reflect the evolution of the geodynamic environment (ensialic plate convergence): backarc stretching and attenuation of an Alpine orogenic wedge were accompanied by the eastward roll-back and progressive steepening of the descending Adria plate. The latter process led to enhanced metasomatic modifications of the mantle wedge composition and to eruption of the large volumes of KS and HKS volcanic rocks in central Italy (0.6–0.1 Ma).