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The volcanic activity that built up the Monte dei Porri stratocone (Salina Island) was reconstructed using new stratigraphic data, which allowed seven eruption units to be distinguished. Alternating Strombolian/Vulcanian to sub-Plinian/Plinian explosive and effusive activity emplaced fall and pyroclastic density current deposits and lava flows that formed the volcanic cone. The minimum erupted bulk volumes were assessed at 100 × 10 6 m 3 each for EU1, EU2, EU3 and EU6, while that of EU4 is ca. 200 × 10 6 m 3 . Rough estimation of EU7 volume yields values around 150 × 10 6 m 3 . The calculation of volume was not possible for the EU5 deposits. The magmas that fed the different eruption units of the Monte dei Porri succession range in composition from basalt to andesite, with the exception of dacites erupted in the initial phase of activity. SEM image analyses on coarse ash from the different pyroclastic units suggest that hydromagmatic fragmentation cannot be the cause of the large variations in explosivity observed throughout the stratigraphic succession. Based on the lithic component of pyroclastic deposits and xenolith contents of lava flows, the plumbing system that fed the different eruption units of Monte dei Porri was split into a deep magma storage level (15–20 km) and shallower magma batches (3–5 km). Our calculations indicate that the volumes of erupted material can account for magmatic triggering (injection of new magma) of eruptive units from the shallower feeding system, but they are not sufficient for suggesting magmatic initiation of the eruption units from the deeper feeding system. It is therefore assumed that the eruptions from the deep magma reservoir necessitate a favourable lithostatic stress, likely calling for a reduction of the local tectonic forces. A qualitative model explaining the eruptive style transitions among and within the different eruption units is presented, taking into account the relation between magmatic overpressure and lithostatic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ash samples from tephra layers correlated with the Pomici di Avellino (Avellino Pumice) eruption of Somma-Vesuvius were collected in distal archives and their composition and particle morphology investigated in order to infer their behaviour of transportation and deposition. Differences in composition and particle morphologies were recognised for ash particles belonging to the magmatic Plinian and final phreatomagmatic phases of the eruption. The ash particles were dispersed in opposite directions during the two different phases of the eruption, and these directions are also different from that of coarse-grained fallout deposits. In particular, ash generated during magmatic phase and injected in the atmosphere to form a sustained column shows a prevailing SE dispersion, while ash particles generated during the final phreatomagmatic phase and carried by pyroclastic density currents show a general NW dispersion. These opposite dispersions indicate an ash dispersal influenced by both high and low atmosphere dynamics. In particular, the magmatic ash dispersal was first driven by stratospheric wind towards NE and then the falling particles encountered a variable wind field during their settling, which produced the observed preferential SE dispersal. The wind field encountered by the rising ash clouds that accompanied the pyroclastic density currents of the final phreatomagmatic phase was different with respect to that encountered by the magmatic ash, and produced a NW dispersal. These data demonstrate how ash transportation and deposition are greatly influenced by both high and low atmosphere dynamics. In particular, fine-grained particles transported in ash clouds of small-scale pyroclastic density currents may be dispersed over distances and cover areas comparable with those injected into the stratosphere by Plinian, sustained columns. This is a point not completely addressed by present day mitigation plans in case of renewal of activity at Somma-Vesuvius, and can yield important information also for other volcanoes potentially characterised by explosive activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal remanent magnetization (TRM) analyses were carried out on lithic fragments from two different typologies of pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits of the 1982 eruption of El Chichón volcano, in order to estimate their equilibrium temperature (T dep) after deposition. The estimated T dep range is 360–400 °C, which overlaps the direct measurements of temperature carried out four days after the eruption on the PDC deposits. This overlap demonstrates the reliability of the TRM method to estimate the T dep of pyroclastic deposits and to approximate their depositional temperature. These results also constraint the time needed for reaching thermal equilibrium within four days for the studied PDC deposits, in agreement with predictions of theoretical models. Sedimentological analysis demonstrates that different thickness of aggrading granular dominated pulses does not affect significantly the estimated T dep for the two studied PDCs. The component analysis highlights how the entrapment of a significant amount of pre-heated lithic fragments from the dome and the conduit walls reduced the cooling of the pyroclastic mixture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stratigraphic reconstruction of the Upper Pollara eruption has allowed for the inference of eruptive mechanisms and the distillation of a sedimentological model for pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) moving across variable topography. The pre-eruptive topography in the study area was characterised by a tuff ring-like morphology, with both inward and outward dipping slopes. Highly viscous, moderately porphyritic, dacitic to rhyolitic magmas fed the eruption, which was characterised by a Vulcanian eruptive style. The stratigraphic succession was divided into five eruption units (EUs), which result from different phases of the eruption separated by stases. Sustained columns occurred only during EU1, while PDC generation dominates EU2–5. Lithofacies analysis of the PDC deposits indicates the prevalence of massive coarse-grained deposits on the inner slopes of the Pollara crater, which are interpreted as the deposits of a flow-boundary zone dominated by granular flow or fluid escape regimes. Dune-bedded, massive to stratified lithofacies dominate the outer slopes of the Pollara crater, and are interpreted as the deposits of PDCs with flow-boundary zones in which traction played a major role. Thin, massive PDC deposits are exposed on the sub-horizontal Malfa terrace, and are interpreted as representative of flow-boundary zones dominated by a granular flow regime. The occurrence of stacked deposits indicates that most of the PDCs were characterised by unsteady pulsatory behaviour, with development of trains of pulses during their transport. The downcurrent lithofacies transitions observed for the Upper Pollara deposits have finally been compared with other similar lithofacies associations which have been described for short-lived PDCs at tuff rings, in order to discuss the influence of pre-eruptive topography on lithofacies association. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three empirical methods for the calculation of distal tephra-fall volumes are presented and tested. The three methods allow calculation of approximate distal tephra-fall volumes under different conditions and abundances of field data. All methods use proximal data to extrapolate the distal situation. They are based on: i) shape and dispersal axis of proximal isopachs (method of ellipses), ii) break-in-slope distance on Log T vs. √A diagram where one distal isopach is available (method of √A ip with one distal isopach), and iii) distal thinning rate and break-in-slope distance on Log T vs. √A diagram (method of k 1 vs. √A ip). The application of the three methods to published data of 23–32 eruptions in which it is possible to define at least two segments on the Log T vs. √A diagram yields different results. The method of ellipses yields good results if the thickness of reconstructed distal isopachs is greater than about 1 cm, whereas the method of √A ip with one distal isopach is more accurate if the distal isopach has a thickness below the half thickness at the break-in-slope distance (T <0.5T ip). The method of distal thinning rate (k 1) vs. break-in-slope distance (√A ip) allows calculation of distal thinning rate and break-in-slope distance from only proximal data. In this case, calculated distal volumes approximate the actual one only if the deposits have a proximal volume/total volume ratio greater than 0.7, otherwise they must be considered as minimum values to be added to the proximal volumes. An empirical correlation between proximal thinning rate (k) and column height (H t =7.6k −0.47; R =0.90) is also presented. Column heights calculated in this way are within ±20% of the observed/published values in 94% of the examined cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The behaviour of dry and wet volcanic granular flows is one of the main research topics in present day geophysics and volcanology. It involves various disciplines (e.g. sedimentology, geophysics, fluid dynamics) and investigation techniques (e.g. field studies, laboratory experiments, computational fluid dynamics). The vast interest is justified by the complex nature of these flows and their very dangerous nature that threaten millions of people around the world. In the last decade, computational fluid dynamics has become one of the main instruments used to reproduce past events of volcanic granular flows or to predict their behaviour and potential hazard. In this study, we tested two of the most used codes for simulating volcanic granular flows, TITAN2D and FLO2D, against well studied natural cases (the 1998 wet granular flows in the Sarno area and the 2005 block and ash flows at Colima volcano) and large-scale experiments on granular flows. Comparison between simulated parameters and real ones were carried out in order to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the two numerical codes. TITAN2D results showed how the basal friction angle is fundamental to control numerical simulations and its dependence on the topographic complexities, DEM resolution and slope-angle ratio. Simulation of large scale experiments offered a good relationship between slope angle ratio at break in slope and basal friction angle, which is useful for application to small drainage basins with not complex channel morphology. FLO2D suffers the lack of rheometric parameters for volcaniclastic material, but is less sensitive of DEM resolution with respect to TITAN2D. • Granular flow simulations using TITAN2D and FLO2D numerical codes. • Analysis of strength and weaknesses of the two codes. • Laboratory experiments [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain results from computer simulations of explosive volcanic eruptions, one either needs a statistical approach to test a wide range of initial and boundary conditions, or needs using a well-constrained field case study via stratigraphy. Here we followed the second approach, using data obtained from field mapping of the Grotta dei Palizzi 2 pyroclastic deposits (Vulcano Island, Italy) as input for numerical modeling. This case study deals with impulsive phreatomagmatic explosions of La Fossa Cone that generated ash-rich pyroclastic density currents, interacting with the topographic high of the La Fossa Caldera rim. One of the simplifications in dealing with well-sorted ash (one particle size in the model) is to highlight the topographic effects on the same pyroclastic material in an unsteady current. We demonstrate that by merging field data with 3D numerical simulation results it is possible to see key details of the dynamical current-terrain interaction, and to interpret the lithofacies variations of the associated deposits as a function of topography-induced sedimentation (settling) rate. Results suggest that a value of the sedimentation rate lower than 5 kg/m 2 s at the bed load can still be sheared by the overlying current, producing tractional structures (laminae) in the deposits. Instead, a sedimentation rate higher than that threshold can preclude the formation of tractional structures, producing thicker massive deposits. We think that the approach used in this study could be applied to other case studies (both for active and ancient volcanoes) to confirm or refine such threshold value of the sedimentation rate, which is to be considered as an upper value as for the limitations of the numerical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcán de Colima, one of the Earth's most active and hazardous andesitic stratovolcanoes, experienced its last major explosive eruption on July 2015 with two distinct events. The July-10 event comprised the collapse of a large summit dome, forming block-and-ash flow deposits of dense dome lava clasts. The July-11 event produced pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that flowed to maximum 10.5 km-distance from the crater, burned the vegetation, and formed valley and overbank deposits of up to 30 vol% vesicular scoria clasts. Whereas the July-10 event fits well within the last 20 years' typical activity of Volcán de Colima, the July-11 PDCs were unprecedented. We present a close examination of the July-11 deposits via combined field, microtextural, and chemical analyses, including electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography. Results show that andesite magma (58–59 wt% SiO 2) at 1021 °C and having 2 wt% H 2 O degassed and crystallized (102–105 mm−3 vesicles and 102–103 mm−3 microlite number densities) while ascending to the surface from ∼2 km-depth reservoirs, driven by decompression rates of 0.4–1.7 MPa s−1. These variable rates reflected heterogenous andesite magma rheology produced by different stages of melt genesis, mobility, stalling, crystallization and vesiculation. Prior to experiencing fragmentation, the andesite magma mingled with rhyolite melts produced from partial melting of silicic mush stored at depths from ∼2 to 5 km. Magmas fragmented at maximum strain rates of 10−3 s−1, powering the July-11 energetic (106–107 kg s−1) and pulsating PDCs that released 102–103 m3 s−1 on surface. The rapid <20 h transition from the July-10 to the July-11 events suggests only hours timescales from dome collapse to magma decompression and explosive eruption. • Decompression-induced heterogeneous magma degassing drives fragmentation of shallow-seated andesite magma. • Different pyroclastic density currents associated with eruption of rheologically heterogeneous andesite magma at even low microvesicularities. • Evidence of interaction between distinct andesite, dacite and rhyolite melts at shallow conduits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A systematic analysis of the physical parameters that influence the aerodynamics of ash, i.e. the attitude of a particle to be transported and/or settled throughout a fluid, is presented. We investigate juvenile particles from eruptions of Somma-Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei and Vulcano (southern Italy), which encompass a wide range of particle characteristics. The analysed samples were selected from dilute pyroclastic density current (DPDC) and fall deposits, and cover an ample spectrum of magma composition and fragmentation mechanisms. Data show that particles have often highly irregular shapes, as determined by the shape factor Ψ. The more irregular is the shape the higher the drag coefficient, C d , and the lower the terminal velocity. The C d of DPDC particles is lower than that of fall particles, as due to rounding by attrition at the base of a density current. As a consequence of the irregular shape, the terminal velocity of ash (0.5mm) can be less than half of the value that results by hypothesising a spherical shape, as it is frequently done in volcanology. In the fall deposits, for the same size fraction, the settling velocity can be different for samples extracted at different locations along the main dispersal axis, especially if the clast population shows heterogeneity of vesicularity. Particle shape becomes more irregular as grain size decreases down to 0.25mm, whereas at finer sizes the values are almost constant. This study has important implications for how long and how far volcanic particles can be dispersed aloft; this is crucial for dispersal models quantifying risk, including for international air traffic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

On July 10 and 11, 2015, Volcán de Colima, one of the most active Mexican volcanoes, underwent its largest eruption since the 1913 Plinian event. Highly mobile block-and-ash flows (BAF) originated from the dome collapse and subsequent extrusion of bubble gas-rich magma from the conduit. The volume and runout of flows were at least one order of magnitude higher (106 m3) than the events observed previously in the 2004–2005 eruptive episode (105 m3) and only comparable with the pyroclastic density currents emplaced during the Vulcanian eruptive phase that preceded the 1913 Plinian eruption. The TITAN2D code is here used to understand the factors controlling the mobility of the dense BAF undercurrents emplaced during the 2015 eruption. The selection of different input parameters was based on field data, on the seismic signal of the BAFs recorded by a broadband station located a few meters away from the channel, and by considering the different eruptive mechanisms of the July 10 eruptive phase (collapsing dome) with respect to the July 11 event (rapid extrusion of degassed magma directly from the conduit). A collapsing pile best fits the July 10 BAF, with an initial spread on the proximal reach and subsequent emplacement along the Montegrande ravine. Instead, for the July 11 BAF, an influx source best replicates the observed distribution, including the overspilling down the San Antonio ravine at the middle reach and the aggradation at the final depositional fan. Both events were better reproduced with the Voellmy-Salm rheology with respect to the Mohr-Coulomb model. Still, the mobility of the July 11 BAF was controlled mainly by the channel reduced capacity due to the 10 July BAF infilling. This was assessed by modeling the 11 July BAF on the real terrain and on a DEM whose altitude was modified based on the maximum flow depth obtained from the simulation of the former flow. Deep knowledge of the eruptive mechanism and flow behavior during the 2015 eruption allowed us to understand the main factors controlling concentrated pyroclastic density current mobility during sustained, multi-phase eruptions, especially for valley-confined BAF. The results presented here set the basis to improve the hazard zonation for pyroclastic density currents at Volcán de Colima, which should be based on a multifactor, probabilistic analysis. • Eruptive processes, volume, and morphology are the main factors in controlling the mobility of block-and-ash flow. • Morphological changes during the emplacement of multiple concentrated pyroclastic currents can control their mobility. • The Voellmy-Salm rheology is more appropriate for simulating concentrated pyroclastic currents over complex terrains. • The seismic signal of a concentrated pyroclastic current can be correlated with the eruptive mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue aims to highlight and strengthen the role of geology in modern volcanology, which has grown turbulently in recent years, especially in the field of numerical modelling. Accurate mapping of debris avalanche and lahar deposits was fundamental constraints in simulating lahars along the Negro River and in the upper Amazonia basin (Espin Bedon et al., this volume). Finally, a review paper on use of drones to collect volcanological field data (Jordan, this volume) completes the special issue, showing possibility and potential of this new and rapidly evolving methodology. [Extracted from the article]

This work focuses on the Miocene Telkibánya Lava Dome Field (Tokaj Mountains, Hungary), proposed as an example of poorly investigated lithofacies architecture of old silicic lava dome fields. A detailed fieldwork, combined with petrographic and radiometric (K/Ar dating) analyses, allows us the redefinition of the volcano-stratigraphy of a 25 km2 area, and the recognition of two temporary different generation of domes that grew in a subaerial environment. 12 cohesive and autoclastic lithofacies are identified and grouped together to document the internal variability of the domes, as well as the erosional phases that affected the lithofacies architecture. Furthermore, stratigraphy, lithofacies association and morphology allow recognizing the areal distribution of 5 lithosomes (lava flows, coulées or domes). All these findings represent a major breakthrough in the identification and interpretation of the volcanic processes that control the growth of silicic lava domes and their products in Late Miocene environment of Carpathian Pannonian region. • Well exposed, variably uplifted and eroded palaeovolcanic area investigated. • Lithofacies architecture documents the internal textural variability of the flow/dome units. • 12 cohesive and autoclastic lithofacies are identified and grouped to 6 lithofacies association. • The spatial correlation allows to recognize the areal distribution of lithosomes (lava flows, coulées or domes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an integrated analysis of microgravity and ground deformation measurements at Mt. Etna is performed over a 21-years time span (1994–2014), a period encompassing several flank and summit eruptions. Data were collected along a common gravity and ground deformation network located on the volcano's southern flank to monitor the dynamics of the main volcanic and tectonic processes. Gravity variations have first been corrected for the free-air effect using the vertical deformation and the experimental vertical gravity gradients measured at each station. The free-air corrected gravity changes were then reduced for seasonal fluctuations, mainly imputable to water-table fluctuations, and for high frequency variations (noise). This long-term dataset constitutes a unique opportunity to examine the behavior of Mt. Etna in a period in which the volcano exhibited different styles of activity characterized by recharging, flank eruptions and fountaining episodes at summit craters. The joint analysis highlights common periods in which gravity and deformation underwent contemporaneous changes occurring mainly in the central and eastern stations of the profile. Specifically, it was possible to distinguish three different sectors, showing significant deformation and gravity patterns: a western sector, lying west of the South Rift, a central one between the South Rift and the 1989 fracture zone, and an eastern one lying east of the 1989 fracture system. The data shows that the deflation dynamics accompanying the eruptive phases mainly affect the western portion of the profile, gradually disappearing toward East, where the more constant sliding dynamics dominates. This pattern defines a transition zone corresponding to the sector comprised between the South Rift and the 1989 fracture. Furthermore, it was also possible to detect at least three main magma charging phases in 1996, 2000 and 2011 which preceded and accompanied the onset of intense flank eruptions and lava fountaining activity at the summit craters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanic ash (< 2 mm) erupted from the Aeolian Islands is reported distally as layers in sedimentary archives from across the central Mediterranean region. Here we present volcanic glass geochemistry of proximal tephra deposits from explosive eruptions on the islands of Vulcano, Lipari, Salina and Stromboli spanning approximately the last 50 ka using grain-specific EMPA and LA-ICP-MS. This comprehensive database of volcanic glass compositions (> 1000 analyses) provides a basis for proximal-distal and distal-distal tephra correlations. Tephra deposits from the different Aeolian Islands are geochemically diverse; with some individual eruptions showing diagnostic geochemical heterogeneity recognised both stratigraphically and/or spatially. Major element glass analyses reveal that Vulcano (0–21 ka) and Stromboli (4–13 ka) have erupted potassic (shoshonitic and K-series) tephra with broadly overlapping compositions, but data presented here demonstrates that their eruptive products can be distinguished using either TiO 2 contents or their HFSE/Th ratios. Whilst individual volcanic sources often produce successive tephra deposits with near identical major and minor element compositions through time (i.e., Lipari, Vulcano), trace element glass data can help to decipher successive eruptions. Changes in LREE and Th concentrations of volcanic glasses erupted spanning approximately the last 50 ka greatly enhance the potential to discriminate successive eruptive units on Lipari. The new proximal glass database has been used to verify new (Ionian Sea; core M25/4-12) and existing distal occurrences of Aeolian Island derived tephra enabling the reassessments of past ash dispersals. Finally, proximal and distal data have been used to establish an integrated proximal-distal eruptive event stratigraphy for the Aeolian Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The detailed analysis of stratigraphy allowed the reconstruction of the complex volcanic history of La Fossa di Vulcano. An eruptive activity mainly driven by superficial phreatomagmatic explosions emerged. A statistical analysis of the pyroclastic Successions led to the identification of dilute pyroclastic density currents (base surges) as the most recurrent events, followed by fallout of dense ballistic blocks. The scale of events is related to the amount of magma involved in each explosion. Events involving about 1millioncm3 of magma occurred during recent eruptions. They led to the formation of hundreds of meters thick dilute pyroclastic density currents, moving down the volcano slope at velocities exceeding 50m/s. The dispersion of density currents affected the whole Vulcano Porto area, the Vulcanello area. They also overrode the Fossa Caldera''s rim, spreading over the Piano area. For the aim of hazard assessment, deposits from La Fossa Cone and La Fossa Caldera were studied in detail, to depict the eruptive scenarios at short-term and at long-term. By means of physical models that make use of deposit particle features, the impact parameters have been calculated. They are dynamic pressure and particle volumetric concentration of density currents, and impact energy of ballistic blocks. A quantitative hazard map, based on these impact parameters, is presented. It could be useful for territory planning and for the calculation of the expected damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A review of compositional data of the major explosive eruptions of Vesuvius is presented, comparing compositions (major elements) of whole rock with glass shards from the proximal deposits, hopefully useful for long-distance correlation. A critical review of published and new geochronological data is also provided. All available 14C ages are calibrated to give calendar ages useful for the reconstruction of the volcanological evolution of the volcanic complex. The pyroclastic deposits of the four major Plinian eruptions (22,000 yr cal BP “Pomici di Base”, 8900 yr cal BP “Mercato Pumice”, 4300 yr cal BP “Avellino Pumice”, and A.D. 79 “Pompeii Pumice”) are widely dispersed and allow a four-folded, Plinian to Plinian, stratigraphic division: 1. B–M (between Pomici di Base and Mercato); 2. M–A (between Mercato and Avellino); 3. A–P (between Avellino and Pompeii); 4. P–XX (from the Pompeii Pumice to the last erupted products of the XXth century). Within each interval, the age, lithologic and compositional features of pyroclastic deposits of major eruptions, potentially useful for tephrostratigraphic purposes on distal areas, are briefly discussed. The Vesuvius rocks are mostly high Potassic products, widely variable in terms of their silica saturation. They form three groups, different for both composition and age: 1. slightly undersaturated, older than Mercato eruption; 2. mildly undersaturated, from Mercato to Pompeii eruptions; 3. highly undersaturated, younger than Pompeii eruption. For whole rock analyses, the peculiar variations in contents of some major and trace elements as well as different trends in element/element ratios, allow a clear, unequivocal, easy diagnosis of the group they belong. Glass analyses show large compositional overlap between different groups, but selected element vs. element plots are distinctive for the three groups. The comparative analysis of glass and whole rock major element compositions provides reliable geochemical criteria helping in the recognition, frequently not obvious, of distal products from the different single eruptions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Tephra deposits of 4 different eruptions of Vesuvius were analyzed. • Deposit volumes and bulk granulometries were reconstructed from field data analysis. • Performed comparative study for different eruption and magma fragmentation styles. • Results are important for tephra dispersal modelling and hazard assessment purposes. Among the active volcanoes worldwide, Somma-Vesuvius is one with the highest volcanic risk as the surrounding areas are highly populated. Somma-Vesuvius is quiescent since 1944, but geological and historical records reveal a frequent violent explosive activity in the last 4000 years, representing a severe risk for the ∼700,000 inhabitants currently living in the area having a high probability for being impacted by pyroclastic density currents ("red zone") and more than one million people who can be potentially affected by tephra fallout. This study aims to analyze the distribution and grain-size of tephra fallout deposits from several Somma-Vesuvius eruptions of different styles, ranging from Violent Strombolian to sub-Plinian and Plinian, for characterizing the associated magmatic fragmentation through the assessment of their total grain-size distribution (TGSD). Chronologically, we focus on the Avellino (4365 BP) and Pompeii (A.D. 79) Plinian eruptions, the Pollena (A.D. 472) sub-Plinian eruption, and the 1906 and 1944 Violent Strombolian eruptions. The related TGSDs were estimated by means of the Voronoi tessellation method, which requires a suitable number of local grain-size distributions and estimation of the area of minimum tephra loading (zero-line contour). However, field-derived TGSDs can be biased towards the coarse and fine grain-size populations due to the typical paucity of available field outcrops of fallout deposits. To encompass this issue, we performed a sensitivity study on the assumption behind TGSD reconstructions and described TGSDs through analytical grain-size distributions that best fit the field TGSDs. Our main objective is a more robust estimation of the TGSDs associated with the different eruptive styles, which is crucial, together with the other eruption source parameters, for robustly predicting tephra loading and airborne ash dispersal of future eruptions at Somma-Vesuvius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]