Monte Vulture Research Articles

Multidisciplinary study of the Lower Palaeolithic site of Cimitero di Atella (Basilicata), Italy

The Lower Palaeolithic site of Cimitero di Atella is located in the Basilicata region (Southern Italy), about 10 km south of the extinct Monte Vulture volcano. The site was discovered in the early 1990s and was continuously excavated for nearly twenty years under the supervision of Professor E. Borzatti von Löwenstern (University of Florence). This open-air site contained a 5-m-thick fluvio-lacustrine sequence characterized by the occurrence of two main archaeological units with lithic industries and faunal remains. Based on the composition of the lithic assemblages, and in particular the presence of handaxes in the Lower unit, Borzatti von Löwenstern (et al., 1997) attributed the site to the Early Acheulean. Cimitero di Atella was interpreted as the result of various lake shore occupations linked to the exploitation of large mammals (Palaeoloxodon antiquus and Bison sp.) and the opportunistic use of raw materials to produce simple small and large lithic tools (Borzatti von Löwenstern et al., 1997).The purpose of this paper is to present the last five years of research at the site. Geochronological, palaeontological and palynological investigations have been conducted to shed light on the environmental and chronological context of the site and the associated human occupations levels. This essential step enables us to evaluate the nature and potential of archaeological data in order to place the results in a broader framework. The accurate study of the context and of the archaeological material of Cimitero di Atella enable us to rethink the crucial question of the emergence of the bifacial phenomenon in Europe.

New volcanological and palethnological data from Avetrana site (Southern Italy)

This work describes the Mousterian lithic artifacts found in the Avetrana karst filling (Apulia), among the oldest of southern Italy. A volcanoclastic layer found at the base of Bed 8, in the highest part of the stratigraphic succession, is also described. The compositional characteristics of the glasses of this volcanoclastic layer indicate a possible area of origin in the Mount Vulture volcano, and allow us to suggest that it is an aeolian fallout that occurred during or immediately after a late eruption of the Mount Vulture, probably within the 132 ± 10 ka time span. The chronological result relating to the volcanoclastic sediments would place the underlying beds in the last Interglacial, MIS 5e, and the overlying Bed 8 at the onset of last Glacial period, MIS 5d. Moreover, it is in agreement with the paleoclimatic considerations based on the ecological and biogeographical features of mammal assemblages and it has a very important significance also for the biochronology of the Pleistocene. In fact, it allows us to confirm that some taxa found in the Avetrana succession, such as Crocidura gr. suaveolens, Arvicola italicus, the evolved form of Microtus (Terricola) gr. savii, and the modern form of Dama dama, occur for first time in Italy at the beginning of Late Pleistocene.

Sr-Nd Isotopic Composition of Pyroxenes as a Provenance Indicator of a Double-Volcanic Source in Sands of the Ofanto River (Southern Italy)

The sands of the Ofanto River (Southern Italy) include a volcaniclastic component represented by clinopyroxene, melanite garnet, amphibole and subordinate volcanic lithics. In order to infer the provenance of this component, we have conducted a microanalytical and isotopic study on the volcanic minerals of the sands collected in three different sites along the Ofanto River: (1) upstream sector, where only sedimentary rocks are drained; (2) middle course, along a tributary draining only the Monte Vulture volcanic rocks, (3) the mouth of the Ofanto. Moreover, minerals of the beach sands of the Tyrrhenian Cilento coast were analyzed for comparison. The microanalytical study and the Sr-Nd isotopic composition reveal the existence of two populations of pyroxenes characterized by distinct isotopic signatures and indicating a provenance from two different volcanic sources. One is confidently identifiable with Monte Vulture, and is evident in the minerals of the middle course and mouth sands. The pyroxenes of the upstream sector, isotopically similar to those of the Cilento coast, have a Campanian signature. The simultaneous occurrence of amphibole and garnet point to the explosive eruptions of Mount Vesuvius as the most probable sources of these minerals. The absence of Campanian pyroxenes at the mouth of the Ofanto River could be related to the occurrence of dams limiting the transport of solids along the river.

Blue coloured haüyne from Mt. Vulture (Italy) volcanic rocks: SEM‐EDS and Raman investigation of natural and heated crystals

AbstractHaüyne mineral, belonging to sodalite group, characterizes two lithotypes of Mount Vulture area (Italy): phonolite of Toppo San Paolo and haüynophyre of Melfi. In the latter, haüyne phenocrysts can appear colourless‐white, grey‐to‐black or blue in colour. The blue colour of these crystals—sometimes in literature classified as lazurite—is known to be due to the presence of polysulphides radical anion chromophores. Since it has been previously observed that heating these rocks up to 750 °C in oxidizing conditions leads haüyne crystals to acquire the blue colour, it was decided to investigate the reasons of this chromatic transformation. SEM‐EDS and Raman spot microanalyses were performed on single crystals of the pristine rocks; furthermore, detailed X‐ray and Raman maps were carried out on two white and two black haüyne crystals of haüynophyre before and after heating up to 750 °C. This allowed to investigate the role of very fine inclusions in the chromatic change: the sulphur‐, barium‐ and iron‐based species included in haüyne, principally ‘pyrrhotite‐like’ crystals and baryte, with the increasing of temperature and under control of oxygen and sulphur fugacity, give rise to the formation of new phases, chiefly haematite and new baryte crystals and of groups.

Geo- and Archaeo-heritage in the Mount Vulture Area: List, Data Management, Communication, and Dissemination. A Preliminary note

Geo- and Archaeo-heritage in the Mount Vulture Area: List, Data Management, Communication, and Dissemination. A Preliminary note

The influence of volcanic supply on the composition of modern river sands: the case study of the Ofanto River, southern Italy

Abstract The Ofanto River drains volcanic rocks from the Monte Vulture, lacustrine–fluviolacustrine deposits associated with the same volcano and sedimentary deposits of the Southern Apennines and the Bradanic foredeep sequences. Comparing the modal composition of river sands and the outcrop area of different lithologies in the different sub-basins, an over-concentration of the volcaniclastic fraction, mainly represented by loose crystals of clinopyroxene, garnet and amphibole, is shown. This has been related to the preferential erosion of pyroclastic deposits, characterized by high production of sand-sized loose minerals, together with the carbonate lability and the low sand-sized detritus production from claystones and marls. The occurrence of volcaniclastic components upstream of Monte Vulture can be explained as a contribution from the lacustrine–fluviolacustrine deposits cropping out in the upstream sector or from pyroclastic fall deposits of Monte Vulture and/or Campanian volcanoes. This research shows that the volcanic record in the fluvial sands of the Ofanto River comes from weathering and sorting processes of volcaniclastic deposits rather than of the lavas building the main edifice. Therefore, caution must be taken during palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic reconstructions when relating the type and abundance of the volcanic component in sediments to the weathering stage and evolutionary history of the volcano.

Natural Clay-Based Materials for the Removal of Antibiotics from Contaminated Water

The release of antibiotics into the environment has increased remarkably due to the extensive use of these pharmaceuticals worldwide. Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP), two antibiotics proposed in the 3rd Watch List (WL) under the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) and often prescribed together, were selected as representative pollutants. This study investigates volcanic soil collected from Monte Vulture (PZ, Italy) as a material tested to remove SMX and TMP from wastewater. XRD showed that volcanic soil was composed of 33.95 % pyroxene, 34.41 % olivine, 21.25 % albite, and 10.39 % muscovite. Preliminary tests revealed that this material was an excellent adsorbent of TMP but not of SMX. The presence of metal like Fe and Al makes it capable of activating oxidizing agents such as potassium peroxymonosulfate (PMS). In fact, experiments showed that the SMX was efficiently degraded under the test conditions. Additionally, a systematic study was performed to evaluate the influence of the most critical factors, such as initial antibiotic concentrations, liquid-to-solid ratio, and reaction time on the removal efficiency. The range of levels evaluated for each factor was selected according to the level of information they can provide. A central composite design coupled with response surface methodology was used. From a statistical analysis of the results, the main effects and interactions between variables were estimated. A polynomial model was also developed and validated to provide a mathematical description of the removal process. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the proposed approach could represent a valuable strategy for in situ and ex situ remediation of antibiotic-contaminated waters and soils.

Rare earth elements distribution and geochemical behaviour in the volcanic groundwaters of Mount Vulture, southern Italy

The Mount Vulture basin, which mainly consists of pyroclastic and subordinate lava flow layers, is one of the most important aquifers for drinking water and irrigation supply in southern Italy. In this study, we investigated the geochemical behaviour of the rare earth elements (REEs) in the groundwater of this aquatic system, assessing fractionation patterns and performing speciation calculations to elucidate the geochemical processes affecting the REEs' distribution.The groundwater collected was separated into two subsets corresponding to recharge and discharge water. Overall, the groundwater exhibited REE concentrations well below 1000 ng/l, and the average content measured in the discharge water is approximately three times higher than that of the recharge water. In the recharge water, the shale normalised patterns are characterised by a more negative average Ce anomaly, a more positive average Eu anomaly, and a larger average (La/Yb)PAAS.The observed relationship between Ce anomalies and dissolved oxygen (DO) supports the idea that Ce oxidative scavenging has a role in determining the size and shape of the Ce anomaly. Further, the less negative average size of the Ce anomaly in the discharge zone also suggests Ce desorption due to changes in redox conditions.As for the Eu anomalies, the largest Eu* are associated with the recharge zone, characterised by higher average Eh and DO values. The volcanics in the Mt. Vulture lithologies have post-Archean average shale (PAAS) normalised patterns showing positive Eu anomalies due to feldspars occurrence. This indicates that the Eu* of groundwater in the recharge zone is mostly produced by the dissolution of feldspars. In the discharge zone, most samples are in equilibrium with smectite and Eu2+ adsorption onto the clay phase surface or its inclusion in the mineral structure as exchangeable cations likely lead to the smaller average size of Eu*. The possible occurrence of secondary minerals preferentially scavenging light REEs may also explain the difference in the (La/Yb)PAAS index observed between the recharge and discharge zones.Speciation calculations indicate that dissolved REEs consist mainly of carbonato complexes (LnCO3+) whereas the percentage of dicarbonato complexes (Ln(CO3)2−) increases in samples with circa-neutral pH. At acidic pH, the Ln3+ species are numerous and, in samples with large amounts of dissolved sulphate, derived by feldspathoids dissolution, from the discharge zone, the percentage of LnSO4+ species is not negligible.

Central Mediterranean explosive volcanism and tephrochronology during the last 630 ka based on the sediment record from Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid, located in the Central Mediterranean region downwind of the Italian volcanoes, has great potential for developing a detailed record of the explosive activity of these volcanoes. Electron microprobe and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry geochemical analyses of juvenile glass fragments of previously not analysed tephra layers of the DEEP site sediment record of Lake Ohrid expand the existing tephrostratigraphy for the interval Marine Isotope Stages 1–16. The geochemical signatures of all tephra layers suggest an origin exclusively from the Italian volcanism.Eight of these tephra layers have potential equivalents in marine and terrestrial archives of the Central Mediterranean region (OH-DP-1966/SC5/A7; OH-DP-1955/CES1/A2; OH-DP-1055/S1; OH-DP-1006/S2; OH-DP-0997/S3, OH-DP-0710/S8/C-51; OH-DP-0766/ODP5/P-13; OH-DP-0505/ODP4). Nine tephra layers, which have not been described so far, help to reconstruct the late volcanic activity of Mount Vulture (OH-DP-2439) and the Paleovulsini (OH-DP-1998), the pre- and post Rio Rava activity of the Roccamonfina volcano (OH-DP-1911/-1812/-1733/-1640/-1527), the early activity of the Aeolian Arc (OH-DP-1513/-1520), and the Bracciano activity of the Monti Sabatini volcanic district (OH-DP-1175). The multi-proxy dataset and chronology of the DEEP site sediments allowed definition of the climatostratigraphic position for all tephra layers and constrain the ages of so far unknown and/or undated tephra layers. The presented data provide a crucial increase of knowledge of the Middle Pleistocene tephrostratigraphy in the Central Mediterranean back to 630 ka and allows new insights of the volcanic activity of Roccamonfina, the Roman Province, the Campanian Volcanic Zone (CVZ), the Aeolian Arc, Pantelleria, and Mount Vulture.

The contrasting evolution of twin volcanic lakes (Monticchio, Mt. Vulture, Italy) inferred from literature records

Lago Piccolo and Lago Grande di Monticchio lie in the collapsed caldera of the volcanic structure of Mt. Vulture (Basilicata, Italy). In over two centuries, a number of studies on their water and on their submerged and riparian vegetation, were carried out, demonstrating an interesting biodiversity. The entire lake area, which is impacted by strong tourist pressure, is part of the "Monte Vulture" Special Area of Conservation (SAC IT9210210). The aim of this paper is to review the literature studies on these lakes, in order to identify the more suitable limnological parameters to infer the history of the trophic status of the two lakes. For this reason, we assess the current ecological status of the two lakes on the basis of physical, chemical and biological analyses deriving from two recent surveys carried out in 2005-2007 and in 2015, and compare these data with sparse, but relevant, historical records, in order to assess how human impacts affected both these lakes and to understand the differences in their present trophic status. Because of its peculiar water chemistry, Lago Piccolo is resulted in good and stable ecological conditions. On the contrary, water transparency of Lago Grande came out very low in summer, while total phosphorus and nitrogen concentration are proved high, leading to the persistence of critical environmental conditions in this lake, with high algal biomass and durable algal blooms in late summer, dominated by cyanobacteria. Finally, in absence of standard protocols and seasonal samplings, the macrophyte maximum growing depth should be considered the more reliable indicator of trophic status among those available for these specific lakes, being relatively independent from sampling methods and seasonal pattern.

Boron Isotopes in the Mount Vulture Groundwaters (Southern Italy): Constraints for the Assessment of Natural and Anthropogenic Contaminant Sources

The Mt. Vulture volcanic aquifer is an important reservoir of effervescent mineral water in southern Italy. This area is included in the Vulture Regional Park and is located on a popular tourist route for its high scenic and ecological value. Unfortunately, signs of anthropogenic impact have recently increased. Among minor elements, boron and its isotopes are considered useful environmental tracers since different anthropogenic and natural sources can be distinguished. In this study, B content and (δ11B) isotope composition were determined in the Mt. Vulture groundwaters. The groundwater chemistry is strongly influenced by input of CO2-rich volcanic gases, and two different hydrofacies are observed. The first water type (BAW) has bicarbonate alkaline and alkaline-earth composition and relatively low salinity, whereas the second one (HSW) has bicarbonate-sulphate alkaline composition and higher salinity. The HSW are enriched in boron and have low δ11B values (from –9.6‰ to –4.3‰) similar to those measured in the local magmas suggesting that B contents in these waters are influenced by prolonged interaction between local meteoric water and volcanic rocks. As to BAW, a wide variability in B concentrations (from 14 μg/l to 769 μg/l) and B isotope composition (from -16.1‰ to +23‰) has been observed. A possible anthropogenic input is thought to be responsible for such variability. The water samples with high B concentrations and negative δ11B values (−12.2‰ to −16.1‰) are probably influenced by agricultural activities; for water samples characterized by positive δ11B values (from +5.8‰ to +7.9‰) and low B contents, a slight contamination by sewage effluents cannot be excluded. These conclusions are also supported by B/Cl molar ratios (7.8E−3 to 1.6E−2) different from those of the HSW group (1.1E−2 to 7.0E−2). This study highlights that also in the Mt. Vulture volcanic area B isotopes coupled to the B/Cl ratio can be a useful tool for the assessment of natural and anthropogenic contaminant sources.

Rhinocerotidae (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) from the middle Pleistocene levels of Grotta Romanelli (Lecce, southern Italy)

The rhinoceros remains collected during the past century in the lower levels XII (= K) and XI (= I) of the famous Pleistocene locality of Grotta Romanelli (Lecce, southern Italy) are described and compared in detail for the first time. Some remains are referred to Stephanorhinus sp. and others are assigned here to the late early-middle Pleistocene European species Stephanorhinus hundsheimensis based on several morphological characters. Based on its olivine-bearing texture, the volcanoclastic ash sampled from some rhinoceros bones can be referred to the first phase of the Monte Vulture activity (around 630ka). The results of the stable isotope analyses suggest that the climate in the lowest levels of Grotta Romanelli could have been more arid than it was at the time of the upper level IX, which is generally referred to the late Pleistocene. In addition, both recent day δ18Oppt values and MAT are very similar to values calculated for levels X and XII, suggesting that the climate at those times may have been close to the Present one, whereas climate in level IX may have been somewhat cooler. The presence of Stephanorhinus hundsheimensis suggests a middle Pleistocene age for the lower levels of Grotta Romanelli, in agreement with the results obtained from the volcanoclastic material.

The earliest securely dated hominin fossil in Italy and evidence of Acheulian occupation during glacial MIS 16 at Notarchirico (Venosa, Basilicata, Italy)

ABSTRACTThe Early Middle Pleistocene site of Notarchirico (Basilicata, Italy) is a 7‐m‐thick fluvially emplaced sedimentary sequence rich in volcanic materials coming from the Monte Vulture stratovolcano. This site consists of 11 archaeological layers, some of which have yielded handaxes. One femur attributed to Homo heidelbergensis was also recovered from an upper level. We present in this study new 40Ar/39Ar and electron spin resonance ages that delimit the time of occupation of Notarchirico to between 670 ± 4 ka (14 ka) and 614 ± 4 ka (12 ka), therefore spanning mainly the glacial Marine Isotope Stage 16. Handaxes found in archaeosurface F are now securely dated to between 670 ± 4 ka (14 ka) and 661 ± 4 ka (14 ka) and prove that hominid populations living in southern Italy used Acheulian technology as early as the beginning of this stage. Futhermore, we placed the age of the human femur between 661 ± 4 ka (14 ka) and 614± 4 ka (12 ka). This fossil is therefore the oldest Middle Pleistocene human fossil discovered in Italy so far. Thanks to this new chronological framework, Notarchirico is now a key site in our understanding of the Early Acheulian culture in Western Europe.

Assessing nitrate origin in a volcanic aquifer using a dual isotope approach

Identifying the origin of nitrate is important for the control and management of groundwater quality in aquifer systems. In the southern Apennines (Italy), the Mount Vulture volcanic aquifer is a large and valuable resource of potable and mineral water supply. Unfortunately, signs of anthropogenic impact, especially nitrogen contamination, have recently become evident. In this study, and for the first time, stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ18O) of NO3− were determined in groundwater to identify their origins and evaluate the presence of transformation processes. The Mount Vulture groundwaters are meteoric in origin, as demonstrated by measurements of δD and δ18O, and can be divided into two distinct areas based on their NO3− content. In the southeastern area, characterized by active agricultural land use, the high NO3− content and the δ15N–NO3 isotopic values are due to anthropogenic contamination (inorganic fertilizer). In groundwaters from the western area, the NO3− contents below 4 mg/L and the δ15N–NO3 values can be associated at organic soil N. Evidence for local denitrification may be assumed in a few groundwater samples of the western area showing relatively heavy δ15N values and low concentrations of nitrate. Finally, the low measured δ18O values indicate that nitrification occurred in both investigated areas.

Active degassing of mantle-derived fluid: A geochemical study along the Vulture line, southern Apennines (Italy)

We report the results of a geochemical study of gas emissions along a NE–SW transect in southern Italy in order to test the hypothesis that the region around Monte Vulture is affected by degassing of mantle-derived fluids through a lithospheric discontinuity. We also investigated lavas from the Monte Vulture volcano displaying 3He/4He (up to ~6.0 Ra) and Sr isotopes that are consistent with an origin in mantle that has had minimal pollution from subducted Adriatic slab. Similar 3He/4He in fluids from around Mt. Vulture indicate that the deep volcanic system is still degassing. Mantle-derived He occurs in fluids along the length of the Vulture line, reinforcing the hypothesis that it is a deep tectonic discontinuity along which mantle fluids and/or melts advect to the surface. The CO2/3He ratios are highly variable (2.7×108–2.15×1011) in response to processes such as gas dissolution into aquifers, addition of crustal gases and degassing fractionation.

Comment on “Groundwater recharge areas of a volcanic aquifer system inferred from hydraulic, hydrogeochemical and stable isotope data: Mount Vulture, southern Italy”: paper published in Hydrogeology Journal (2011) 19:133–153, by Serena Parisi, Michele Paternoster, Claus Kohfahl, Asaf Pekdeger, Hanno Meyer, Hans Wolfgang Hubberten, Giuseppe Spilotro, Giovanni Mongelli

Comment on “Groundwater recharge areas of a volcanic aquifer system inferred from hydraulic, hydrogeochemical and stable isotope data: Mount Vulture, southern Italy”: paper published in Hydrogeology Journal (2011) 19:133–153, by Serena Parisi, Michele Paternoster, Claus Kohfahl, Asaf Pekdeger, Hanno Meyer, Hans Wolfgang Hubberten, Giuseppe Spilotro, Giovanni Mongelli

Groundwater recharge areas of a volcanic aquifer system inferred from hydraulic, hydrogeochemical and stable isotope data: Mount Vulture, southern Italy

Environmental isotope techniques, hydrogeochemical analysis and hydraulic data are employed to identify the main recharge areas of the Mt. Vulture hydrogeological basin, one of the most important aquifers of southern Italy. The groundwaters are derived from seepage of rainwater, flowing from the highest to the lowest elevations through the shallow volcanic weathered host-rock fracture zones. Samples of shallow and deep groundwater were collected at 48 locations with elevations ranging from 352 to 1,100 m above sea level (a.s.l.), for stable isotope (δ18O, δD) and major ion analyses. A complete dataset of available hydraulic information has been integrated with measurements carried out in the present study. Inferred recharge elevations, estimated on the basis of the local vertical isotopic gradient of δ18O, range between 550 and 1,200 m a.s.l. The isotope pattern of the Quaternary aquifer reflects the spatial separation of different recharge sources. Knowledge of the local hydrogeological setting was the starting point for a detailed hydrogeochemical and isotopic study to define the recharge and discharge patterns identifying the groundwater flow pathways of the Mt. Vulture basin. The integration of all the data allowed for the tracing of the groundwater flows of the Mt. Vulture basin.

Tephro-stratigraphy and the age of ancient Southern Italian Acheulean settlements: The sites of Loreto and Notarchirico (Venosa, Basilicata, Italy)

The stratigraphic and chronological positions of the Palaeolithic sites of Loreto and Notarchirico have been revised by adopting a litho-tephro-stratigraphic approach applied to the deposits of the Venosa basin, relating them to the evolution of volcanic eruptions of Mount Vulture. The Notarchirico tephra, dated to around 640 ka, is a geological marker of paramount importance in the study of ancient Southern Italia settlements and identifies the assemblage from level F at Notarchirico as one of the oldest Acheulean in Europe.

Chronostratigraphy of Monte Vulture volcano (southern Italy): secondary mineral microtextures and 39Ar-40Ar systematics

The eruptive history of Monte Vulture has been the subject of several geochronological investigations during the past decades, which reliably dated only a small number of eruptions. Understanding the causes of sub-optimum data yield in the past requires an interdisciplinary approach. We re-analyzed samples from previous works and present new data on samples from the main volcano-stratigraphic units of Monte Vulture, so as to provide an improved, consistent chronostratigraphic database. Imaging of minerals by cathodoluminescence and backscattered electrons reveals that heterochemical, high-temperature deuteric reaction textures are ubiquitous. Such observations are common in metamorphic rocks but had not frequently been reported from volcanic rocks. In view of the mineralogical complexity, we base our chronological interpretation on isochemical steps, defined as steps for which the Cl/K and/or the Ca/K ratios are constant. Isochemical steps carry the isotopic signature of chemically homogeneous mineral phases and therefore allow a well-constrained age interpretation. Comparison of old and new 39Ar-40Ar data proves the reproducibility of age spectra and their shapes. This quantifies the analytical reliability of the irradiation and mass-spectrometric analyses. Anomalous age spectra are a reproducible property of some specific samples and correlate with mineralogical anomalies. The present data allow us to fine-tune the age of the volcanostratigraphic units of Monte Vulture during the known interval of main volcanic activity from ca. 740 to 610 ka. After a very long stasis, the volcanic activity in the Monte Vulture area resumed with diatremic eruptions, one of which (Lago Piccolo di Monticchio, the site of a palynological-paleoclimatological drilling) was dated at ca. 140 ka.

Micro-tephra in the West Runton Freshwater Bed: Preliminary results

A volcanic mineral assemblage is present throughout the 20–120μm size fraction of the Middle Pleistocene West Runton Freshwater Bed, Norfolk, UK. Glass shards are extremely rare but are present mainly at one horizon. This micro-tephra assemblage is indicative of a potassic mineral suite, possibly from an evolved phonolitic or trachytic melt. Mineralogical and electron microprobe data are inconsistent with a tephra source from mid Atlantic ridge sites and the amphibole and alkali feldspar components are more evolved than early Quaternary mineral assemblages from West Eifel volcanism in Germany. The mineral assemblage and geochemical compositions are most similar to those from the Mont Dore area (Massif Central, France) and the Italian volcanic complex of Mount Vulture in the southern Apennines. Taken alone these preliminary data are not strong enough to infer a deposit age. However, the age ranges for volcanism at both Mont Dore and Mount Vulture are similar (500–800ka); the presence of micro-tephra from either of these sources is wholly consistent with other age estimates for the West Runton Freshwater Bed (>500ka and <780ka) supporting deposition during either the interglacials of marine isotope stages 15 or 17.