Ischia
Complex in Italy
Key Facts
Elevation
789 m (2,589 ft)
Type
Complex
Location
40.730°, 13.897°
Region
Italian Peninsula Volcanic Provinces
Rock Type
Trachyte / Trachydacite
Tectonic Setting
Subduction zone
Location
Loading map...
Overview
The Ischia volcanic complex forms a rectangular, 6 x 9 km island immediately SW of the Campi Flegrei area at the western side of the Bay of Naples. The eruption of the trachytic Green Tuff ignimbrite about 56,000 years ago was followed by caldera formation. The high point on the island, Monte Epomeo, is a volcanic horst composed of the Green Tuff ignimbrite deposit that was submerged after its eruption and then uplifted.
Volcanism on the island has been significantly affected by tectonism that formed a series of horsts and grabens; at least 800 m of uplift has formed as a result of resurgent doming during past 33,000 years. Many small monogenetic volcanoes were formed around the uplifted block. Volcanism during the Holocene produced a series of pumiceous tephras, tuff rings, lava domes, and lava flows, and a major collapse of Mount Epomeo produced a large submarine debris-avalanche deposit.
The latest eruption, in 1302 CE, produced a spatter cone and the Arso lava flow, which reached the NE coast.
Volcanic Hazards & Risk Assessment
Primary Hazards
Risk Level
Geological Composition & Structure
Rock Types
Tectonic Setting
Age & Formation
Eruption Statistics & Analysis
| Metric | Value | Global Ranking | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Recorded Eruptions | Unknown | Low | Moderately active volcano |
| Maximum VEI | VEI Unknown | Minor | Local impact potential |
| Recent Activity | 724 years ago | Historical | Historically active |
Monitoring & Alert Status
Monitoring Networks
Current Status
Nearby Volcanoes in European Volcanic Regions
Quick Info
- •Smithsonian ID: 211030
- •Evidence: Eruption Observed
- •Epoch: Holocene
About the Photo
The Ischia volcanic complex forms a 6 x 9 km island W of the Bay of Naples seen in this International Space Station image. Tectonism has influenced volcanic activity at Ischia, and its high point (the dark-colored area in the center) is a horst (raised fault block) composed of ignimbrite deposits associated with Pleistocene caldera formation. During the Holocene, a series of pumiceous tephras, tuff rings, lava domes, and lava flows were erupted.
NASA International Space Station image ISS002-E-8200, 2001 (http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/).
Authority Sources
Related Volcanoes
Basic Information
This page shows basic data from the Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program. For more detailed information, visit the official Smithsonian page.