Volcanology and geothermal research

Acronym
PNRA_geology
Code
PNRA_1988/1989
Anno
1988
Research area
Earth science
Specific research topic
Volcanology and geothermal research
Region of interest
Northern Victoria Land, Antarctica
Project website
PI
Letterio Villari
PI establishment
Università di Messina
Institutional website
https://mift.unime.it/it
Other institutions and subjects involved
Università di Pisa, CNR-IGG Pisa, INGV Catania
Consistency of the research team
Letterio Villari (Università di Messina), Pietro Armienti (Università di Pisa), Giovanni Gianneli e Aristide Rossi (CNR-IGG, Pisa), Giuseppe Falzone e Gianni Lanzafame (INGV Catania)
Project status
Completed
Main stations used
MZS
The project

The study mainly concerned: 1. mesostructural analysis of two fault systems affecting the basement: the first is represented by the direction of the Rennick Graben fault system, the second is identified by the direction of the western margin of the Ross Sea. The two directions mentioned above are still active and have been site of Cenozoic volcanic activity (eruptive fractures, alignments of cinder cones, dykes); 2. sampling of alkaline Cenozoic volcanic rocks and possible mantle xenoliths to estimate pressure and temperature of the host rocks, petrology and fluid inclusions; 3. preliminary evaluation of the geothermal potential in the Melbourne volcanic area; 4. investigations into the internal dynamics of the Mount Melbourne volcano, through the study of the slow deformations of the soil. For the latter objective, the creation of a network of geodetic strongholds is planned in collaboration with the geomagnetism and gravimetry group.
> Terra Nova Bay station and a field camp (Marinella camp)

Images
  • Motivation, importance of research
    Objectives of the proposal
    Activities carried out and results achieved
    Products
    • Armienti P. and Tripodo A. (1991) Petrography and chemistry of lavas and comagmatic xenoliths of Mt. Rittmann, a volcano discovered during the IV Italian Expedition in northern Victoria Land (Antarctica). Mem. Soc. Geol. It. 46, 427-451.
       
    • Armienti P., Francalanci L., Landi P. and Vita-Scaillet G. (2003) Age and geochemistry of volcanic rocks from Daniell Peninsula and Coulman Island, Hallett Volcanic Province, Antarctica. In: Tessensohn F. and Ricci C.A. (eds), Aspects of a Suture Zone. Mariner Glacier Area, Antarctica. Geologisches Jahrbuch B85, 409-445.