I DEPOSITI TERRAZZATI AFFIORANTI NELL’ALTA VALLE DEL FIUME OFANTO (FOGLIO N. 451 “MELFI”, APPENNINO CAMPANO-LUCANO)

Abstract

P. Giannandrea, The terraced deposits outcrop in the upper valley of Ofanto River (Foglio N. 451 “Melfi” Apennine
Campano-Lucano). IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2004
In the upper valley of Ofanto River (north of Monte Vulture) at different heights, more shaped surfaces, terraced deposits, debris sheets and volcanic deposits are visible. A stratigraphic architecture is reconstructed, using a morphostratigraphic profile. The emerged scheme allows us to distinguish four terraced deposits, related to different evolution stages of the valley. The recognition of volcanic deposits, intercalated in the alluvial conglomerates, makes it possible to propose a correlation with the main volcanic units of Monte Vulture (Monte Vulture Supersynthem and Monticchio Supersynthem). The oldest and highest deposits (terraces: Ia, IIa, Ib) are correlated with the Monte Vulture Supersynthem (Middle Pleistocene), while the younger ones (terraces: IIb, III and Ic, IIc, IIIc) are coeval with the Monticchio Supersynthem (Middle – Upper Pleistocene). More recent volcanic deposits, found near Casa Rossa outcrop (Conza della  bvCampania Synthem) are referred to a more recent volcanic activity of Monte Vulture (132±12 ka b.p.).
The youngest volcanic products (outcrop of Ripe del Cavallo), dated 40.7±8.4 ka b.p., are interpreted as belonging to Campanian
Ignimbrite of the Campi Flegrei area, according to chemical composition.
The stratigraphic scheme, proposed in this paper, gives a new contribution to understanding the morphodynamic evolution of the
Ofanto River valley and the relationship between the drainage system and the Monte Vulture volcanic activity.