Search

Geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes were determined in Triassic calcalkaline metalava and metapyroclastic rocks from Attica and Argolida, central Greece, to ascertain their origin, evolution, and emplacement timing. Sample protoliths were lavas, tuffs, and, subordinately, tuffites of basaltic to rhyolitic composition. Despite up to low-grade hydrothermal metamorphism, samples retain primary structures and geochemical characteristics; in particular, relatively high (La/Lu) chondrite-normalized ratios, pronounced negative Eu anomalies, and Large Ion Lithophile Element (LILE) enrichment. Unlike the narrow Nd isotopic range (0.512342-0.512625), the Sr isotopic range is relatively wide (0.705903-0.711739). As Sr and Nd isotopic ratios do not provide concordant geochronological age for rock emplacement, they were corrected at 170 Ma due to geologic and petrographic considerations. Geochemistry and Sr and Nd isotopic ratios provide evidence of subduction metasomatism and crustal contamination affecting the parental magmas of samples. Their Nd model ages resemble those of Enriched Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts (E–MORB) under the northern Aegean and Triassic-rift mafic rocks from northern Greece. As a whole, the geological and petrological data suggest that samples were formed both onshore and offshore in the transition zone between the Pelagonian microcontinent, moving away from Gondwana’s Apulian promontory, and the newly-formed intracontinental basin of the Neotethyan Pindos Ocean. A short-lived immature subduction of young oceanic crust under Pelagonia gave samples their strong geochemical and geological characteristics of volcanic-arc. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.

The living euryhaline species Cyprideis torosa (Jones) undergoes morphometric variations in size, noding and sieve-pore shape linked to the environmental salinity. In particular it is known that salinity values around 8-9 psu represent the osmoregulation threshold and also the turning point between smaller and greater valve dimensions and prevailingly noded against un-noded valves. The variation of the percentage of round-, elongate- and irregular-shaped sieve-pores on the valves has shown an empiric logarithmic correlation with the water salinity from 0 to 100 psu. Due to this ecologically cued polymorphism, C. torosa represents 28 an invaluable palaeosalinometer for the Quaternary brackish basins. In this paper we attempt to verify whether the ecophenotypical behaviour of the post-evaporitic Messinian species Cyprideis agrigentina Decima was comparable with that of C. torosa. To reach this goal, three morphometric characters have been analysed: 1) size variability; 2) noding and ornamentation; 3) variability of the percentage of the sieve-pore shapes. The palaeoenvironmental interpretation was made using synecological and geochemical approaches [stable isotopes, trace elements, Sr-isotopes and natural radioactivity (NRD)]. For this study, the 250 m-thick Messinian Lago-Mare succession of Eraclea Minoa (Agrigento, Sicily) was chosen for the presence of monotypic assemblages made only by C. agrigentina for around 70 m of thickness. The results of the morphometric analyses showed that: 1) size variations are not related to the salinity changes recognized both from synecological and geochemical analyses; 2) no noded specimens have been recovered along the section; 3) the salinities calculated on the basis of the percentage of the sieve-pore shape are not correlated with the salinities inferred from the synecological and geochemical analyses. Thus in this paper we conclude that C. agrigentina cannot be considered a palaeosalinometer for the Messinian Salinity Crisis. There is a correlation of the 13 C and NRD data with the percentages of sieve-pore shapes, linking them to the oxygen availability at the bottom of the basin.

A giant carbonate vein (>= 50 m thick; fissure ridge travertines) and nearby travertine plateaus in the Semproniano area (Mt. Amiata geothermal field, southern Tuscany, Italy) are investigated through a multidisciplinary approach, including field and laboratory geochemical analyses (U/Th geochronology, C, Nd, O and Sr isotope systematics, REE abundances, and fluid inclusion microthermometry). The main aim of this work is to understand: (1) modes and rates for the growth of the giant vein and nearby travertine deposits within a Quaternary volcano-tectonic domain; (2) implications in terms of the CO2 leakage; and (3) possible relationships with Quaternary paleoclimate and hydrological oscillations. Results show that the giant vein was the inner portion of a large fissure ridge travertine and grew asymmetrically and ataxially through repeated shallow fluid injections between >650 and 85 ka, with growth rates in the 10(-2)-10(-3) mm/a order. The giant vein developed mainly during warm humid (interglacial) periods, partially overlapping with the growth of nearby travertine plateaus. Estimated values of CO2 leakage connected with the vein precipitation are between about 5 x 10(6) and 3 x 10(7) mol a(-1) km(-2), approximately representing one millionth of the present global CO2 leakage from volcanic areas. Temperature estimates obtained from O-isotopes and fluid inclusion microthermometry indicate epithermal conditions (90-50 degrees C) for the circulating fluid during the giant vein growth, with only slight evidence of cooling with time. Geochemical and isotope data document that the travertine deposits formed mainly during Pleistocene warm humid periods, within a tectonically-controlled convective fluid circuit fed by meteoric infiltration and maintained by the regional geothermal anomaly hosted by the carbonate reservoir of the Mt. Amiata field. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A giant carbonate vein (≥ 50 m thick; fissure ridge travertines) and nearby travertine plateaus in the Semproniano area (Mt. Amiata geothermal field, southern Tuscany, Italy) are investigated through a multidisciplinary approach, including field and laboratory geochemical analyses (U/Th geochronology, C, Nd, O and Sr isotope systematics, REE abundances, and fluid inclusion microthermometry). The main aim of this work is to understand: (1) modes and rates for the growth of the giant vein and nearby travertine deposits within a Quaternary volcano-tectonic domain; (2) implications in terms of the CO 2 leakage; and (3) possible relationships with Quaternary paleoclimate and hydrological oscillations. Results show that the giant vein was the inner portion of a large fissure ridge travertine and grew asymmetrically and ataxially through repeated shallow fluid injections between > 650 and 85 ka, with growth rates in the 10 − 2 –10 − 3 mm/a order. The giant vein developed mainly during warm humid (interglacial) periods, partially overlapping with the growth of nearby travertine plateaus. Estimated values of CO 2 leakage connected with the vein precipitation are between about 5 × 10 6 and 3 × 10 7 mol a − 1 km − 2 , approximately representing one millionth of the present global CO 2 leakage from volcanic areas. Temperature estimates obtained from O-isotopes and fluid inclusion microthermometry indicate epithermal conditions (90–50 °C) for the circulating fluid during the giant vein growth, with only slight evidence of cooling with time. Geochemical and isotope data document that the travertine deposits formed mainly during Pleistocene warm humid periods, within a tectonically-controlled convective fluid circuit fed by meteoric infiltration and maintained by the regional geothermal anomaly hosted by the carbonate reservoir of the Mt. Amiata field. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.

Since the study of VESPER (1975) and ROSENFELD & VESPER (1977), it is known that the living anomalohaline species Cyprideis torosa (Jones) undergoes morphometrical variations in size, noding and sieve pore shape linked to the environmental salinity. Several studies (among others: CARBONEL, 1982; ALADIN, 1993; VAN HARTEN, 1996; KEYSER, 2005; BOOMER & FRENZEL, 2011; FRENZEL et al., 2011, 2012) showed that salinity values around 8-9 psu represent the osmoregulation threshold and also the turning point between smaller and greater valve dimensions and prevailingly noded against un-noded valves. The variation of the percentage of round-, elongate- and irregularshaped sieve pores on the valves has shown an empiric logarithmic correlation with the water salinity from 0 to 100 psu (ROSENFELD & VESPER, 1977). Due to this ecologically cued polymorphism, Cyprideis torosa represents an invaluable palaeosalinometer for Quaternary brackish basins. Some authors (ROSENFELD, 1977; BONADUCE & SGARRELLA, 1999) applied the counting of different sieve pore shapes also to the fossil species Cyprideis agrigentina Decima, distributed in the Mediterranean during the post-evaporitic Messinian lago-mare phase. In this paper we attempt to verify whether the ecophenotypical behaviour of C. agrigentina was comparable with that of C. torosa.

The source and cycling of Fe in groundwaters from the phreatic aquifer which characterizes a site impacted by metallurgical activity in a coastal area of northern Italy (Adriatic Sea) have been investigated by Fe-isotope analyses, H-O-Sr stable-isotope systematics and major and trace element chemistry. Waters are characterized by circum-neutral to alkaline pH and dissolved O-2 zoning, and range from a low-salinity Ca-Mg-HCO3 type to a brackish Na-Cl type resulting from seawater intrusion. The O-H isotopic data indicate that the Ca-Mg-HCO3 waters originate from meteoric precipitation that infiltrated at elevated altitudes, and that a variable seawater fraction, in some cases exceeding 90%, characterizes the Na-Cl type waters. The Fe content ranges from 0.48 to 9.99 mg/L and from 2.50 to 43.8 mg/L in low-salinity and brackish waters, respectively. The delta Fe-56 value varies over the wide range from +0.87 parts per thousand to -5.29 parts per thousand in low-salinity waters and between +2.15 parts per thousand and -2.34 parts per thousand in brackish waters. The isotopically lighter compositions are interpreted as reflecting isotopic fractionation during repeated cycling of Fe precipitation. Positive delta Fe-56 values might indicate either a higher solubility of oxyhydroxides, which during diagenesis preferentially incorporated the isotopically heavier fraction of Fe, or the leaching of the foundry landfill disposal which characterizes the site.

hosted in a folded and low to medium grade sedimentary and volcanic rocks, unconformably overlaid by Permo-Triassic to Cretaceous red beds and limestones. Intrusion of the hydrothermally altered multiphase ca. similar to 330-319 Ma Aouli granite batholith has contact metamorphosed the host rocks to a metamorphic assemblage of cordierite, andalusite, chlorite, muscovite, and biotite +/- sillimanite +/- garnet. The mineralized structures that consist mostly of quartz, fluorite, and barite occur principally as ENE-WSW, WNW-ESE, and E-W-trending trans-tensional steeply dipping veins, veinlets and en echelon tension gash fillings. Irrespective of colour, location, paragenesis and textural position within the mineralized vein structure, the fluorite is characterized by high total REY contents ranging from 250 to 662 ppm, distinctive positive Eu and Y anomalies, and middle rare-earth element enrichment. Fluid inclusion data indicate that the ore-forming fluids correspond to evolved NaCl-CaCl2 + other cations sedimentary (94-174 degrees C), saline (14-24 wt% NaCl equiv.) brines. The strontium isotopic compositions of fluorite (Sr-87/Sr-86 = 0.710155-0.712293) and barite (0.710215-0.701401), along with the Liassic dolomitized limestones (0.707867-0.708140) are more radiogenic than the Cambro-Ordovician and Triassic-Early Jurassic seawater values, with the Aouli Late Variscan granite (0.70814 +/- 12) and the Triassic arkoses (0.709839-0.712313) displaying the highest Sr-87/Sr-86 ratios. Barite separates show uniform delta S-34 ratios of +11% to +13.4% consistent with Permian-Triassic seawater sulphate. The calculated REY fluid compositions along with fluid inclusion, strontium and sulphur isotope data point to the role of hot sedimentary brines with fluid-rock interaction at high fluid/rock ratios. The fluid system is likely related to the Pangea rifting and subsequent Central Atlantic opening during Permian-Triassic time. The fluorite-barite mineralization is likely due to mixing at the basement-cover interface of an ascending deep-seated fluid that equilibrated with Variscan crystalline basement rocks and cooler more dilute formation water. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The final conclusions of a multidisciplinary study of Earth and Soil Sciences, carried out in the frame of Prin 2007 are presented. The study has dealt with a variety of natural materials, encompassing soils, waters, atmospheric depositions, the vegetation and the bottom sediments of a coastal lagoon, in the territory north of Ravenna, characterized by important agricultural and industrial activities. In particular, by chemical and isotopic methodologies and pedological survey, it has been studied the ecosystem of the San Vitale Pinewood and the Lagoon of Pialassa Baiona, both constituting the southernmost part of the Po river delta Park. The results obtained have shown that the Pinewood is affected by major salinization processes induced by local subsidence and concerning underground water and soils. This jeopardizes the vegetation's health, in particular, the pine trees that are the main characteristic species. Moreover, the proximity of the industrial zone of Ravenna to the Pinewood represents another threat to the environment, as it is a major pollution source by release of particulate matter with stacks. Therefore, potentially toxic elements may fallout onto the soils, waters and vegetation of the Pinewood, arising general concern on the preservation of the forest. The important traffic rolling on the road net contouring the Pinewood-Lagoon ecosystem is a further source of pollution, as indicated by the incoming diffusion of PGE on the topsoils bordering the roads. Lastly, the study of the bottom deposits of the Lagoon at the water-sediment interface has unveiled the diffuse presence of Hg with significant concentrations, derived from industrial wastewaters unloaded in the basin some decades ago. Luckily, Hg occurs in the element form and, thus, its mobility is very reduced, keeping so far the risk factor in the Lagoon low. As a whole, the Pinewood-Lagoon ecosystem is ailing due to incoming salinization processes and, subordinately, moderate pollution proceeding from the industrial zone and the traffic. Therefore, it is recommended to implement a monitoring survey of the study area on the ground of the parameters used in this research. In fact, they have been able to provide the local Administrations with punctual responses to the problem of degradation of the Pinewood-Lagoon ecosystem.

87Sr/ 86Sr measurements were carried out on planktonic foraminiferal shell samples collected in the Early Pliocene succession of DSDP Site 132 (Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean). The measured ratios range between 0.708980 and 0.709023, showing moderate fluctuations and a maximum variation of 0.000043 that falls within the uncertainty range of the Sr isotope measurements (± 0.000022) and suggests relatively constant ratios throughout this succession. The Mediterranean seawater 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios measured in a sample collected 55 cm above the Miocene / Pliocene Boundary and dated to 5.31 ± 0.01 Ma, are consistent with those measured in coeval oceanic successions, confirming the open marine depositional environment revealed by foraminiferal assemblages. The measured ratios are consistent with those collected in the Lower Pliocene deep sea sequence at Hole 654A (about 70 km NW from DSDP Site 132) and these are also comparable with other data from coeval oceanic and on land successions, taking into account the uncertainty of the Sr isotope measurements. The occurrence of relatively constant ratios throughout this succession, as previously shown in other coeval deep sea sequences of the Mediterranean and if verified in other successions, may hamper precise age determinations of the Early Pliocene marine carbonate in this basin.

Questo capitolo presenta la sintesi di uno studio a carattere multidisciplinare, condotto dai membri di numerose unità operative afferenti al progetto “GEOBASI” su campioni di suolo del sito “pilota” di Muravera, ai fini di cogliere le dinamiche interne del suolo e quelle a scala territoriale, e fornire un contributo all’individuazione di appropriati strumenti di indagine e di intervento. I risultati, di seguito riportati, sono scaturiti dalle varie analisi di laboratorio, condotte con un approccio metodologico integrato e multiscala su campioni appartenenti a ciascuno dei diversi orizzonti genetici di cui si compone ogni profilo pedologico ed, ove possibile, anche del substrato roccioso. In tal modo si è cercato di garantire, a partire dal campionamento, un rigore di metodi in grado di tenere in dovuto conto la specificità delle proprietà e dei meccanismi di cui il suolo è sede. La caratterizzazione della composizione chimica degli elementi totali, sia maggiori sia in tracce, tramite spettrometria di fluorescenza ai raggi X è stata curata dalla UO di Siena (Protano G., Nannoni F., Pizzetti E., Riccobono F., Rossi S.), con un contributo specifico dell’UO afferente all’ENEA per quanto riguarda l’arsenico. I risultati ottenuti mediante XRF sono stati messi in relazione con i principali litotipi presenti nell’area di studio e con i diversi orizzonti pedologici. Sono stati inoltre confrontati con quelli derivanti dall’estrazione degli elementi pseudototali in acqua regia da parte dell’UO di Pavia (Sacchi E., Garzetti F., Fornelli Genot S., Vannucci R.), che discute la validità di applicabilità dei due diversi metodi, mettendo altresì in luce le difficoltà di applicazione della normativa vigente in materia di determinazione delle soglie di contaminazione di diverse matrici ambientali. I contributi successivi del presente capitolo analizzano attraverso molteplici sfaccettature ed approcci analitici il variegato tema della mobilità degli elementi nel sistema suolo. Si passa dall’analisi della frazione biodisponibile dei metalli tramite estrazione in EDTA al confronto con i tenori pseudototali (Sacchi E., Fornelli Genot S., Garzetti F., Vannucci R. dell’UO di Pavia) ed allo studio dei processi di mobilità, frazionamento e speciazione attraverso le estrazioni sequenziali (UO dell’ENEA: Angelone M., Armiento G., Caci E., Carucci V., Cremisini C., Crovato C.), attraverso procedure sempre applicate ancora al campione totale. Attraverso tecniche d’indagine micromorfologica e microanalitica in microscopia ottica ed elettronica e l’ausilio di analisi spettrometriche con l’utilizzo di sorgente laser si evidenziano alcuni meccanismi di ritenzione o mobilizzazione degli elementi con carattere “puntuale” all’interno di determinati profili e/o orizzonti pedologici (Scarciglia F., De Rosa R., Barca D., Apollaro C., Caruso A.M., Vecchio G. dell’UO di Cosenza e Vacca A. dell’unità di Cagliari). Vengono poi proposti un’analisi della distribuzione spaziale di alcuni isotopi radioattivi nonché l’applicazione di un metodo per stimare i tassi di erosione o accumulo sulla base dell’attività del 137Cs (UO di Roma Tre: Tuccimei P., Salzano R., Soligo M., Primavera P., Delitala M.C., Taddeucci A.) ed uno studio di dettaglio sul rapporto isotopico del ferro con la proposta di una metodologia innovativa (Castorina F., Masi U., Voltaggio M. dell’UO di Roma “La Sapienza”). Questo lavoro mette in luce le difficoltà di applicazione della normativa vigente, qualora si proceda alla misura ed alla discussione delle concentrazioni e distribuzioni degli elementi nei suoli dell’area rappresentata nel Foglio 549 Muravera della Carta Geologica d’Italia a scala 1:50.000. L’approccio multidisciplinare adottato mostra in modo chiaro i limiti dei metodi d’indagine sinora proposti dalla legislazione ambientale ed applicati dagli operatori del territorio: i limiti, cioè, sia di un campionamento del solo orizzonte di superficie, senza tener conto invece dei differenti orizzonti genetici (ovvero prodotti da specifici processi di pedogenesi) di cui consta un profilo di suolo, sia della sola analisi degli elementi totali, a scapito della valutazione dei contributi offerti dalle diverse sub-“matrici” costituenti ogni singolo orizzonte (scheletro minerale, matrice pedogenetica s.s., pellicole di argilla illuviale, sostanza organica, segregazioni di ossidi di ferro, ecc.).

Questo capitolo presenta la sintesi di uno studio a carattere multidisciplinare, condotto dai membri di numerose unità operative afferenti al progetto “GEOBASI” su campioni di suolo del sito “pilota” di Muravera, ai fini di cogliere le dinamiche interne del suolo e quelle a scala territoriale, e fornire un contributo all’individuazione di appropriati strumenti di indagine e di intervento. I risultati, di seguito riportati, sono scaturiti dalle varie analisi di laboratorio, condotte con un approccio metodologico integrato e multiscala su campioni appartenenti a ciascuno dei diversi orizzonti genetici di cui si compone ogni profilo pedologico ed, ove possibile, anche del substrato roccioso. In tal modo si è cercato di garantire, a partire dal campionamento, un rigore di metodi in grado di tenere in dovuto conto la specificità delle proprietà e dei meccanismi di cui il suolo è sede. La caratterizzazione della composizione chimica degli elementi totali, sia maggiori sia in tracce, tramite spettrometria di fluorescenza ai raggi X è stata curata dalla UO di Siena (Protano G., Nannoni F., Pizzetti E., Riccobono F., Rossi S.), con un contributo specifico dell’UO afferente all’ENEA per quanto riguarda l’arsenico. I risultati ottenuti mediante XRF sono stati messi in relazione con i principali litotipi presenti nell’area di studio e con i diversi orizzonti pedologici. Sono stati inoltre confrontati con quelli derivanti dall’estrazione degli elementi pseudototali in acqua regia da parte dell’UO di Pavia (Sacchi E., Garzetti F., Fornelli Genot S., Vannucci R.), che discute la validità di applicabilità dei due diversi metodi, mettendo altresì in luce le difficoltà di applicazione della normativa vigente in materia di determinazione delle soglie di contaminazione di diverse matrici ambientali. I contributi successivi del presente capitolo analizzano attraverso molteplici sfaccettature ed approcci analitici il variegato tema della mobilità degli elementi nel sistema suolo. Si passa dall’analisi della frazione biodisponibile dei metalli tramite estrazione in EDTA al confronto con i tenori pseudototali (Sacchi E., Fornelli Genot S., Garzetti F., Vannucci R. dell’UO di Pavia) ed allo studio dei processi di mobilità, frazionamento e speciazione attraverso le estrazioni sequenziali (UO dell’ENEA: Angelone M., Armiento G., Caci E., Carucci V., Cremisini C., Crovato C.), attraverso procedure sempre applicate ancora al campione totale. Attraverso tecniche d’indagine micromorfologica e microanalitica in microscopia ottica ed elettronica e l’ausilio di analisi spettrometriche con l’utilizzo di sorgente laser si evidenziano alcuni meccanismi di ritenzione o mobilizzazione degli elementi con carattere “puntuale” all’interno di determinati profili e/o orizzonti pedologici (Scarciglia F., De Rosa R., Barca D., Apollaro C., Caruso A.M., Vecchio G. dell’UO di Cosenza e Vacca A. dell’unità di Cagliari). Vengono poi proposti un’analisi della distribuzione spaziale di alcuni isotopi radioattivi nonché l’applicazione di un metodo per stimare i tassi di erosione o accumulo sulla base dell’attività del 137Cs (UO di Roma Tre: Tuccimei P., Salzano R., Soligo M., Primavera P., Delitala M.C., Taddeucci A.) ed uno studio di dettaglio sul rapporto isotopico del ferro con la proposta di una metodologia innovativa (Castorina F., Masi U., Voltaggio M. dell’UO di Roma “La Sapienza”). Questo lavoro mette in luce le difficoltà di applicazione della normativa vigente, qualora si proceda alla misura ed alla discussione delle concentrazioni e distribuzioni degli elementi nei suoli dell’area rappresentata nel Foglio 549 Muravera della Carta Geologica d’Italia a scala 1:50.000. L’approccio multidisciplinare adottato mostra in modo chiaro i limiti dei metodi d’indagine sinora proposti dalla legislazione ambientale ed applicati dagli operatori del territorio: i limiti, cioè, sia di un campionamento del solo orizzonte di superficie, senza tener conto invece dei differenti orizzonti genetici (ovvero prodotti da specifici processi di pedogenesi) di cui consta un profilo di suolo, sia della sola analisi degli elementi totali, a scapito della valutazione dei contributi offerti dalle diverse sub-“matrici” costituenti ogni singolo orizzonte (scheletro minerale, matrice pedogenetica s.s., pellicole di argilla illuviale, sostanza organica, segregazioni di ossidi di ferro, ecc.).

Analisi di terreno e di laboratorio effettuate sulle successioni sedimentarie affioranti nei settori di Monte San Giovanni Campano, Fontana Liri e Rocca d’Arce hanno permesso di riconoscere e cartografare alcuni sintemi che interessano la porzione messiniana della successione locale. Tali depositi sono stati accorpati in due diverse unità a limiti inconformi: 1) Sintema delle Arenarie di Torrice e 2) Sintema delle argille con gessi, che fanno parte di un unico supersintema (Supersintema di Monte San Giovanni Campano). In questo lavoro vengono descritte le caratteristiche stratigrafico-strutturali dei cicli discordanti riconosciuti e viene proposta la formalizzazione del Supersintema di Monte San Giovanni Campano e dei sintemi ad esso collegati (Sintema delle Arenarie di Torrice e Sintema delle argille con gessi). Le caratteristiche stratigrafico-strutturali di questi depositi permettono di collocare i relativi bacini di sedimentazione nella porzione frontale della catena appenninica in via di strutturazione (bacini di thrust-top). Il loro successivo coinvolgimento al letto di superfici di sovrascorrimento suggerisce, inoltre, una riattivazione compressiva fuori sequenza, consentendo di estendere molto più a sud la fascia di catena del Messiniano inferiore riattivata durante la fase tettono- sedimentaria del top Messiniano/Pliocene inferiore, fino ad oggi limitata al blocco di tetto del sovrascorrimento Olevano-Antrodoco- M.ti Sibillini. Field and laboratory analyses carried out on the sedimentary successions of Monte San Giovanni Campano, Fontana Liri and Rocca d’Arce (FR, southern Latium) allow us to recognize some unconformity-bounded stratigraphic units (UBSU) within the Messinian portion of the local stratigraphical succession. From a regional point of view, the stratigraphical succession of the study area can be divided into four sedimentary cycles separated by regional stratigraphical discontinuities: 1) pre-orogenic deposits; 2) syn-orogenic deposits; 3) late-orogenic deposits; 4) post-orogenic deposits. The aim of this paper is to describe the stratigraphic and structural features of the late-orogenic deposits cropping out in the Monte San Giovanni Campano-Fontana Liri-Rocca d’Arce area. Sediments pertaining to different unconformable cycles have been grouped in the late-orogenic deposits, which according to their structural-stratigraphic features can be referred to thrust-top basins. The younger sedimentary cycle of the late-orogenic deposits, which crops out at Monte San Giovanni Campano and Rocca d’Arce, consists mainly of clays with gypsum and rests unconformably on the underlying formations. Beneath this unconformable sedimentary cycle there are coarsegrained clastic deposits pertaining to an older UBSU, which rests on the pre-orogenic succession of the study area. At Monte San Giovanni Campano and Boville Ernica, a sandy matrix conglomerate with infralittoral marine molluscs, which consists mainly of carbonate pebbles, characterizes the base of this UBSU. These coarsegrained deposits are etheropic with yellowish massive sandstones containing infralittoral marine molluscs and are referable to the lower Messinian. In the localities of Fontana Magna and Paparungi well-stratified bituminous-sandstones characterize this sedimentary cycle, whereas massive sandstones crop out in the Rocca d’Arce and Fontana Liri areas. The recognized unconformable deposits have been split into two different UBSU: 1) Sintema delle Arenarie di Torrice and 2) Sintema delle argille con gessi. These two synthems are part of a Messinian supersynthem: the Supersintema di Monte San Giovanni Campano. This paper deals with the description of the stratigraphical and structural characters of the UBSU recognized in the Monte San Giovanni Campano- Fontana Liri-Rocca d’Arce area. Moreover, the formalization of the Supersintema di Monte San Giovanni Campano together with its related synthems (Sintema delle Arenarie di Torrice and Sintema delle argille con gessi) is proposed in this paper. The structural and stratigraphical features of the recognized UBSU allow us to locate their related sedimentary basins within the frontal portion of the Apennine chain, behind the leading edge of the central Apennines where active thrusts were building the Messinian chain (thrust-top basins). The involvement of these UBSU at the footwall of thrust planes suggests an out-of-sequence re-activation of this sector of the Apennine chain. This evidence allow us to extend more southward the portion of the Apennine chain that was re-activated in out-of-sequence thrusting during the top Messinian/early Pliocene tectono-sedimentary event. Until now, in fact, evidences of out-of-sequence re-activations in the central Apennines during this tectono-sedimentary event were observed just at the hanging wall of the Olevano-Antrodoco-Sibillini Mts overthrust.

This multicentre, double-blind study compared (100 mg) sumatriptan administered orally with placebo in treating an acute attack of migraine; 238 patients were studied over a 48-h period. Four hours after treatment, 92 of the 142 evaluable sumatriptan patients (65%) showed significant reductions ( P < 0.001) in headache severity, clinical disability and accompanying symptoms compared with 32 of the 80 evaluable placebo-treated patients (40%). The duration of attack prior to taking medication and the history of persistent migraine do not influence the observed difference between the two treatment regimens (sumatriptan and placebo), which remained statistically significant ( P < 0.001) in both cases. The incidence of headache recurrence in patients who experienced relief 4 h after initial treatment was low, occurring in 16 (17%) and 4 (13%) of the sumatriptan- and placebo-treated patients, respectively. Only patients with a history of migraine attacks lasting longer than 24 h suffered headache recurrences, and these recurrences were not consistent with the International Headache Society definition of migraine. Treatment with sumatriptan was well tolerated.