Tyrrhenian rocks
The Tyrrhenian Rocks website provides virtual access to volcanic and sedimentary rock samples originating from submarine areas of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The samples were collected during oceanographic surveys conducted by researchers M. Marani and F. Gamberi from CNR – ISMAR in Bologna and derive from areas selected based on the Tyrrhenian Sea bathymetric map prepared by the same researchers.
The sample catalogue lists the samples stored at the Bologna headquarters of CNR – ISMAR and pertaining to the following submarine areas:
- Marsili
- Vavilov
- Palinuro
- Eolo
- Enarete
- Sisifo
- Glabro
- Prometeo lava field
- Basiluzzo
- Marsili Basin southern margin.
For each area, the website provides the corresponding bathymetric map indicating dredging sampling sites, together with a list of the collected samples and their descriptive data sheets. The data sheets include a 3D animation video and images of each sample at scales ranging from decimetre (hand specimen) to the micron (thin section) produced by Dr. C. Cavozzi and Prof. T. Trua (Department of SCVSA, University of Parma).
The data obtained to date through a multidisciplinary collaboration network show that this rock collection represents an archive of information on Tyrrhenian Sea aspects spanning from geodynamic processes responsible for its formation to its georesources and the potential natural hazards associated with this area.
Anyone interested in contributing to the exploration of this unique archive may contact the CNR–ISMAR members of the team.