• DOI:10.1007/S00445-005-0033-6
• Corpus ID: 128473558

Eruptive history and petrologic evolution of the Albano multiple maar (Alban Hills, Central Italy)

@article{Freda2006EruptiveHA,
  title={Eruptive history and petrologic evolution of the Albano multiple maar (Alban Hills, Central Italy)},
  author={Carmela Freda and M. Gaeta and Daniel B. Karner and Fabrizio Marra and Paul R. Renne and Jacopo Taddeucci and Piergiorgio Scarlato and John N. Christensen and Luigi Dallai},
  journal={Bulletin of Volcanology},
  year={2006},
  volume={68},
  pages={567-591}
}

• C. Freda, M. Gaeta, +6 authors L. Dallai
• Published 25 February 2006
• Geology
• Bulletin of Volcanology

A comprehensive volcanological study of the Albano multiple maar (Alban Hills, Italy) using (i) 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of the most complete stratigraphic section and other proximal and distal outcrops and (ii) petrographic observations, phase analyses of major and trace elements, and Sr and O isotopic analyses of the pyroclastic deposits shows that volcanic activity at Albano was strongly discontinuous, with a first eruptive cycle at 69±1 ka producing at least two eruptions, and a second cycle with two peaks at 39±1 and 36±1 ka producing at least four eruptions. Contrary to previous studies, we did not find evidence of magmatic or hydromagmatic eruptions younger than 36±1 ka. The activity of Albano was fed by a new batch of primary magma compositionally different from that of the older activity of the Alban Hills; moreover, the REE and 87Sr/86Sr data indicate that the Albano magma originated from an enriched metasomatized mantle. According to the modeled liquid line of descent, this magma differentiated under the influence of magma/limestone wall rock interaction. Our detailed eruptive and petrologic reconstruction of the Albano Maar evolution substantiates the dormant state of the Alban Hills Volcanic District.