Vulsini
At relatively low altitude, the Vulsini calderas cover about 2,280 km (880 sq mi) and contain four Pleistocene-age depressions known as Bolsena, Latera, Vepe and Montefiascone calderas. An alleged eruption occurred in 104 BC, but it is currently considered a misinterpretation of the description of a fire, and the most recent confirmed activity occurred in Pleistocene. The largest, the Bolsena caldera, which is roughly 16 km (9.9 mi) across, is filled with the waters of Lake Bolsena, which derive mainly from deep aquifers. Immediately to the northwest are the combined Latera and Vepe calderas, about 8 km (5.0 mi) by 11 km (6.8 mi). Vepe, to the north of Lake Mezzano (a very small crater lake west of Lake Bolsena) is what is known as a nested caldera; it arose in the previously existing Latera Caldera. Italian routes SS74 and SS312 follow the rim from Valentano through Latera westward, turning off before Mezzano on the other side. In addition the small Montefiascone caldera, also nested, lies between Montefiascone on its eastern rim and the lake. Two islands in the lake, Bisentina and Martana, were formed from airfall tuffs in Pompeii-like eruptions. Dozens of other tuff cones dot the region, mainly on the eastern side of the complex.
The Italian Civil Protection Department considers Vulsini as extinct.
Subfeatures
The following tuff cones stand out in the region:
- Monte Becco
- Isola Bisentina
- La Dogana
- Monte Evangelista, 633 m (2,077 ft)
- Isola Martana
- Molino
- Montefiascone
- Monte Montione
- Valentano
- Monte Pilato
- Monte Rosso
- Santa Luce
- Santa Maria di Sala
- Selva del Lamone
- Monte Semonte
- Monte Spinaio
- Monte Bandinio
See also
References
- ^ "Global Volcanism Program | Vulsini". Smithsonian Institution | Global Volcanism Program. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ^ Washington, Henry Stephens (1906). The Roman Comagmatic Region. Washington, DC: Carnegie Institution of Washington. pp. 1–5.
- ^ Nappi, G.; L. Valentini; M. Mattioli (2004). Field Trip Guide Book - P09: Ignimbritic Deposits in Central Italy: Pyroclastic Products of the Quaternary Age and Etruscan Footpaths (PDF). Italian Agency for the Environmental Protection and Technical Services (APAT). Retrieved 1 May 2009.
- ^ "Volcanoes in Italy". rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
- ^ "Vulsini:Cones".
External links
- "Vulsini". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 2021-06-26.