From siliciclastic to bioclastic deposits in the Gulf of Naples: new highlights from the Ischia and Procida-Pozzuoli offshore based on sedimentological and seismo-stratigraphic data

This study discusses the siliciclastic to bioclastic deposits (in particular, the rhodolithdeposits) in the Gulf of Naples based on sedimentological and seismo-stratigraphic data. Theselected areas are offshore Ischia Island (offshore Casamicciola, Ischia Channel), where a densenetwork of sea-bottom samples has been collected, coupled with Sparker Multi-tip seismic lines, andoffshore Procida-Pozzuoli (Procida Channel), where sea-bottom samples are available, in additionto Sparker seismic profiles. The basic methods applied in this research include sedimentologicalanalysis, processing sedimentological data, and assessing seismo-stratigraphic criteria and techniques.In the Gulf of Naples, and particularly offshore Ischia, bioclastic sedimentation has been controlled byseafloor topography coupled with the oceanographic setting. Wide seismo-stratigraphic units includethe bioclastic deposits in their uppermost part. Offshore Procida-Pozzuoli, siliciclastic depositsappear to prevail, coupled with pyroclastic units, and no significant bioclastic or rhodolith depositshave been outlined based on sedimentological and seismo-stratigraphic data. The occurrence ofmixed siliciclastic-carbonate depositional systems is highlighted in this section of the Gulf of Naplesbased on the obtained results, which can be compared with similar systems recognized in the centralTyrrhenian Sea (Pontine Islands).