Imp.Geremia& COASTAL GEOMORPHOSITES OF THE ISLES OF LIPARI AND STROMBOLI (AEOLIAN ISLANDS, ITALY): NEW POTENTIAL FOR GEO-TOURISM Francesco Geremia1 & Raniero Massoli-Novelli2 1Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Messina, Salita Sperone 31, 98166 Messina email: fgeremia@unime.it 2Coordinator of the Geosites SIGEA Working Group, Via della Mendola 85, 00135 Roma, Italy email: massoli@tiscali.it ABSTRACT: F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli, Coastal geomorphosites of the Isles of Lipari and Stromboli (Aeolian islands, Italy): new potential for geo-tourism. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2005). After illustrating the main geological, volcanological and geomorphological characteristics of the Aeolian Islands and, in particular, of Lipari and Stromboli – the two main isles of the archipelago – their most important coastal geomorphosites are individuated. Considering their high level of geological and geomorphological interest, two geo-tourism itineraries by boat are planned – one for each island – to promote their coastal landscape of volcanic origin. Six coastal geomorphosites or groups of geomorphosites of eleva- ted scientific and educational value are selected for each itinerary. The itinerary for the island of Lipari begins in its eastern side with a panoramic view of the famous Castle of Lipari, built on a imposing rhyolitic lava dome. It continues toward the northern coast, where there are considerable pumice quarries and a rare coarse clastic beach, characterized by the presence of dark volcanic gravels and pebbles and light-coloured pebbles of pumice, to finish in the southern side with the observation of two notable volcanic pinnacles (Pietralunga and Pietra Menalda). The itinerary for the island of Stromboli begins from the pier of Scari, characterised from a dark-coloured sandy beach and continues toward Ginostra, where it is possible to run along the first geological-historical path of Aeolian Islands. The itinerary continues toward northwest with the impressive panoramic view of the “Sciara del Fuoco”, a rare landscape in the Mediterranean, and to finish around the neck of Strombolicchio, the last evidence of a vast volcanic edifice. Emphasis is given to the importance of this new kind of cultural tourism, named “geo-tourism”, according the principles of sustainable development and based on the promotion and conservation of the unique geomorphological-volcanological heritage of Aeolian islands. RIASSUNTO: F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli, Geomorfositi costieri delle Isole Lipari e Stromboli (Isole Eolie, Italia): una nuova poten- zialità per il turismo. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2005). Dopo la illustrazione delle principali caratteristiche geologiche, vulcaniche e geomorfologiche delle Isole Eolie in generale ed in partico- lare di Lipari e Stromboli, le due principali isole dell’arcipelago, ne vengono individuati i principali geomorfositi costieri. In base alle valenze geologiche-geomorfologiche identificate vengono progettati due itinerari geoturistici, uno per isola, da dedicare al paesaggio costiero di origine vulcanica e da effettuare in barca. Per ogni itinerario sono stati scelti sei geomorfositi o gruppi di geo- morfositi, scelti tra i più importanti e con maggiore valenza didattica, e per ognuno di essi è stato progettato uno stop, con osservazioni da effettuare a seconda delle situazioni o dalla barca o a terra. L’itinerario per l’isola di Lipari inizia ad est con lo splendido Castello di Lipari che sorge su un imponente bastione di lava riolitica, prose- gue verso nord con le grandi cave di pomice e con la rara spiaggia di Porticello, caratterizzata dalla presenza di ciottoli di lava nera e di pomice bianca, per terminare a sud con i due notevoli pinnacoli lavici di Pietralunga e Pietra Menalda, che si ergono in mezzo al mare. L’itinerario per l’isola di Stromboli inizia dal molo di Scari, caratterizzato da una spiaggia con sabbia vulcanica completamente nera, scende verso Ginostra, ove si può percorrere a terra un già collaudato sentiero geologico, continua a nord-ovest con l’impressionante Sciara del Fuoco, un paesaggio unico nel Mediterraneo, e termina di fronte allo scenografico “neck” di Strombolicchio, residuo dello smantellamento di un ben più vasto edificio vulcanico. Viene sottolineata l’esigenza di questa nuova forma di turismo culturale che è il “geoturismo”, valido sotto il profilo dello sviluppo sostenibile, basato sulla spiegazione, promozione e conservazione del prezioso, talvolta unico, patrimonio geomorfologico-vulcanologi- co delle isole Eolie. Keywords: Geomorphosites, Geo-Tourism, Lipari, Stromboli, Aeolian Islands, Tyrrhenian Sea. Parole chiave: Geomorfositi, Geoturismo, Lipari, Stromboli, Isole Eolie, Mar Tirreno. Il Quaternario Italian Journal of Quaternary Sciences 18(1), 2005 - Volume Speciale, 233-244 1. INTRODUCTION The potential for geo-tourism is high all over Sicily, and especially in the Aeolian Islands. As the geo- logical features of these islands are relevant, the whole archipelago was included in the list of UNESCO natural assets, on the grounds that: “the volcanic landforms of the Aeolian Islands represent classic features in the continuing study of volcanology worldwide”. The coastal geomorphosites of the Aeolian Islands typically witness the history and dynamics of past and recent volcanic events and geomorphological processes affecting the archipelago. They may be analysed from different perspectives: from landscape description to scientific interpretations, from encoura- ging interest in geological knowledge to examining the economic role of Geo-tourism initiatives. The identification and study of coastal geo- morphosites from the viewpoint of sustainable tourism is only the first step towards intelligent fruition of the Aeolian archipelago. Geosite assessment, selection and protection criteria should satisfy not only scientific 234 F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli needs but also the need for social fruition. The funda- mental parameters of this type of assessment are essentially as follows: scientific value – educational value – rareness – degree of conservation – visibility and accessibility – extra value, also considering natura- listic, archaeological etc. aspects (Arnoldus- Huyzendveld et al., 1995; Panizza & Piacente, 2002; D’Andrea et al., 2003; Massoli-Novelli, 2003a; 2003b). Organising geological and geomorphological excursions allows various advantages, such as promo- ting the knowledge of Earth Sciences, which is so poorly appreciated among the population at large. This would offer new professional opportunities to young geologists and naturalists and result in a better distribu- tion of tourists: not only in the months of July and August but also in the spring and autumn. In this way the Aeolian territory would benefit from a renewed socio-economic balance, which has long been sought after by local Administrations. Taking into account the high scientific and educa- tional value of the coastal scenery in Lipari and Stromboli, two geo-tourism itineraries by boat are plan- ned. Six coastal geomorphosites or groups of geo- morphosites are individuated for each itinerary. They were analysed through a their detailed geomorphologi- cal survey integrated with information provided by scientific and historical literature. The aim of these two geological itineraries is to explain to tourists visiting the Aeolian Islands every year, that the input of energy into a coastal system via waves is one of the main forces determining coastal processes and how the coast-forming volcanic materials of Lipari and Stromboli act in response to mechanical wave ero- sion and mass movement processes. Besides, it is important to investigate how the tourism fruition of pre- sent coastal scenery can be developed in presence of a high value of vulnerability induced by human activity and, above all, to volcanic hazards consequences. 2. GENERAL GEOLOGICAL SETTING The Aeolian Islands are lo- cated in the south-eastern Tyr- rhenian Sea facing the northern coast of Sicily (Fig. 1). They pro- vide an outstanding record of volcanic island-building and de- struction processes and ongoing volcanic phenomena. Studied since at least the 18th century, these islands have permitted to investigate on two types of erup- tion (Vulcanian and Strombolian) and so have featured prominen- tly in the education of all geo- scientists for over 200 years. The archipelago of the Aeolian Islands is made up of seven main islands (Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Salina, Filicudi ed Alicudi) and several seamounts and islets, along the internal margin of the Apennine -Maghrebian chain. It is correlated to the complex geodynamic situa- tion of the Mediterranean area which has been site of the collision between the African and Eurasian plates, with a trending convergence (Barberi et al., 1974). The Aeolian Islands are the part emerged of a large submarine volcanic basement extending for around 200 km, having a typical arc-shaped structure. The depth of the basement from which the seven islands emerge ranges from 1000 and the 2000 m b.s.l. They consist mainly of volcanic products, spanning in age from about 400 ka to the Present, and subordina- tely from Late-Quaternary marine deposits. Vertical cru- stal movements of the volcanic edifices have been interpreted as being the result of interaction between episodic eruptive events and neo-tectonic processes, both transitory and active on a local scale (Calanchi et al., 1996; 2002). Seismic and volcanic activities linked to Quater- nary tectonics and marine erosion, both Pleistocene- Holocene and Present, are the main factors responsible for the great coastal diversity of the Aeolian Islands, both emerged and submerged (Romagnoli et al., 1993). The volcanic coastal landscape of Aeolian Islands is particularly suitable for physical processes (e.g. mechanical wave erosion, mass movement and long- shore sediment transport). These processes have played an important role in the development of present coastal scenery with formation of a great diversity of coastal features (e.g. plunging and composite cliffs, embayed and pocket beaches, sea arches and caves, islets and stacks, etc.). All these coastal features deve- lop chiefly along the structural weaknesses (e.g. the joints and the fault planes) or as the result of a differen- tial erosion of dykes. Instead, other marine processes, such as bioerosion and chemical and salt weathering, are absent or insignificant. Fig. 1 - Location of the Isles of Lipari and Stromboli in the Aeolian archipelago (South-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea). Inquadramento geografico delle Isole di Lipari e Stromboli nell’arcipelago Eoliano (Mar Tirreno sudorientale). 3. THE ISLE OF LIPARI 3.1. Geological framework Lipari is the largest island of the archipelago with a surface extending for 38 km2, a maximum length of about 9.5 km (north-south) and a width of 7 Km (east- west). During the Neolithic Age it was one of the rare sources of obsidian in the Mediterranean and it was also famous as the most important trading station for kaolin and pumice. From a geological and volcanic viewpoint, the isle of Lipari – like Stromboli - is the emerged part of a large volcanic edifice, rising from the sea floor at a depth of about 1000 m b.s.l.. Although the geological evolution of Lipari is complex, it can be divided in two phases of different volcanic activity, separated by a long period of dormancy (about 45,000 years), revealed by evident subaerial and marine erosional surfaces. The volcanic activity of the first period (Paleolipari) starts about 230,000 years BP with the emission of pro- ducts composed of basalt and andesite. Post-erosional volcanic activity begins at about 42,000 years BP, with very different eruptive styles and magma composition, as testified by the emission of evolved magmatic pro- ducts (rhyolite – obsidian lava flows) and large amounts of surge deposits (pumice deposits). The last volcanic activity in Lipari occurred between 16,800 and 1,400 years BP and is located in its north-eastern sector. This important activity results in a substantial emission of pumice surge deposits on Monte Pilato and of excep- tional obsidian and rhyolite lava flows in Rocche Rosse (Pichler, 1980; Tranne et al., 2000). Recent dating esta- blishes that the last eruption took place about 1400 years BP, covering the fourth and fifth century Roman remains in the Acropolis of Lipari with a thin layer of pumice (Calanchi et al., 1996; Tranne et al., 2000). The coastal scenery of Lipari is varied and rug- ged; it is characterised by the presence of headland- embayment sequences with numerous sea-stacks, arches and caves. Embayed beaches with sands, gra- vel and cobbles are principally prevalent along the eastern and northern side of the island, from the port of Lipari to the headland of Punta del Legno Nero. High and steep, plunging and composite cliffs dominate along the western and southern coast; although boul- der beaches are present on the south-western coast between Punta Le Grotticelle and Punta Crepazza, and a very sorted sandy beach, nourished naturally by the adjacent landslide and detrital deposits, is embayed in the Valle Muria Bay. In addition, mechanical wave ero- sion and mass movement are the dominant exogenetic processes along the coast of Lipari (Fig. 2). 3.2. Coastal geomorphosites and geo-tourism There are numerous pathways on the isle of Lipari connecting various localities but some of these tracks are quite difficult to follow, so it is more interesting to explore the extraordinary coastal scenery of Lipari sai- ling around the island by boat (Fig. 2). A complete tour around the island, taking about 9 hours and including two stops at Porticello and Valle Muria beaches, is proposed. It is better to sail round the island anticlockwise, so as to have a good view of the eastern side during the morning and the western side during the afternoon with a spectacular panoramic 235Coastal geomorphosites of ... view of its southern side at sunset. In this way the fol- lowing coastal geomorphosites of volcanic origin can be observed very well: Stop n. 1 – Rocca del Castello cliff The famous Castle of Lipari is built on a strongly eroded rhyolitic lava dome, linked to the eruptive centre of Monte Guardia (some 20,000 years BP). At the base of cliff, evidences of progressive rock falls can be observed, which have brought the margin of the cliff up to the castle’s ancient Spanish walls. Next to the rocky cliff, the interaction between endogenetic volcanic phase and exogenetic processes (e.g. mechanical wave erosion and mass movement) can be observed, together with evidence of human activities and works carried out to protect ancient buildings (Table 1). Tab. 1 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the first stop selected around the coast of the island of Lipari. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del primo stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’isola di Lipari. 236 Stop n. 2 – Campo Bianco pumice quarry and Porticello beach The Porticello beach is characterised by the pre- sence of berms with dark volcanic gravels and pebbles and bigger, roundish, light-coloured pebbles of pumice (Table 2). At North of Porticello beach the rhyolite-obsi- dian lava flow of Rocche Rosse (1,400 years BP) shows spectacular convoluted flow foliation structures visible along the abandoned cliff. To the south on the eastern side of Monte Pilato there is the very large Campo Bianco pumice quarry which has long quays on the coast, where the extracted rock is loaded onto ships (Fig. 3). In the past the discarded materials from the pumice quarry formed a completely white gravelly F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli Fig. 2 - The geological-tourism itinerary around the Isle of Lipari. Location, dominant landforms and processes of the main coastal geomorphosites. L’itinerario geologico-turistico intorno all’Isola di Lipari. Ubicazione, morfologia e processi dominanti dei principali geomorfositi costieri. 237 beach, much appreciated by tourists; at present the pumice extraction is incompatible with a sustainable development of the island. Stop n. 3 – Le Torricelle sea stack The sea stack of Le Torricelle, some 32 m high, is an interesting coastal geomorphosite, characterised by plunging cliffs with a pillar-like structure originated by effusive activity of Paleolipari volcanic centres (223,000 - 150,000 years BP) and covered by conglomerate levels with pebbles and pyroclastic deposits. Its upper Coastal geomorphosites of ... Tab. 2 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the second stop selected around the coast of the island of Lipari. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del secondo stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’isola di Lipari. Tab. 3 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the third stop selected around the coast of the island of Lipari. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del terzo stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’isola di Lipari. Fig. 3 - Lipari, stop n. 2. The large pumice quarry at Campo Bianco. Lipari, stop n. 2. L’estesa cava di pomice di Campo Bianco. 238 extremity appears flattened by sea abrasion and is to be linked to elevated marine terraces recognised along the western coast of Lipari (Table 3). The ancient uplif- ted shorelines are the result of interaction between sea- level fluctuations in the Late Quaternary and vertical movement of the volcanic island (Calanchi et al., 2002). Stop n. 4 – Valle Muria Bay Valle Muria is a narrow and elongated wave-domi- nated embayed beach confined between the two head- lands of and Punta di Levante. Tuff and lapilli tuff (hydromagmatic activity) and scoriae of first period (223,000 - 150,000 years BP) crop out along the pro- montory of Punta di Ponente; they are locally characte- rised by fumarole levels, ranging in colour from yellow to white and red (Table 4). At Punta di Levante the remains of an ancient lava dome, belonging to the Punta del Perciato eruptive complex, have been over- laid by a massive brown ash tuff deposit (Brown tuffs) with intercalation of one black coarse ash layer related to the Salina volcanic activity (Tranne et al., 2000). Stop n. 5 – Punta del Perciato headland The rocky headland of Punta del Perciato is the last evidence of a thick, rhyolitic lava dome, dating from 20,300 – 42,000 years BP. Concentric ramp structures with excellent examples of onion-like flux exfoliation can here be observed. In addition, the site is characteri- sed by the presence of a sea arch with vertical walls; it is a significant indicator that a strong wave action in all two sides of the promontory (Table 5). Stop n. 6 – Pietralunga and Pietra Menalda pinnacles The beautiful Pietralunga and Pietra Menalda pin- nacles, some 60 and 25 m high, are the last witnesses of a wide volcanic structure which was dismantled by marine erosion (Fig. 4). They were formed by the same volcanic activity of fourth period (42,000 - 20,300 years BP) which originated the promontory of Punta del Perciato. These two sea stacks are characterised by steeply descending cliffs that pass far below sea level without any shore platform and are attacked continuou- sly by wave erosion (Table 5). 4. THE ISLE OF STROMBOLI 4.1 – Geological framework Stromboli is the most active volcano in Europe and is famous worldwide on account of its typical “Strombolian” activity, which consists of ejection of ash, lapilli and lava bombs with rare lava effusions of short duration. Stromboli is also considered an extre- mely important field laboratory for volcanic hazard assessment. It is the northernmost island of the Aeolian archipelago and covers an area of 12.2 km2. Stromboli with an elevation of 924 m a.s.l. forms a steep and F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli Tab. 4 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the fourth stop selected around the coast of the island of Lipari. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del quarto stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’isola di Lipari. Fig. 4 - Lipari, stop n. 6. The beautiful 60 m high Pietralunga volcanic pinnacle. Lipari, stop n. 6. L’eccezionale faraglione di Pietralunga, alto 60 metri s.l.m. uniform volcanic cone which rises from a depth of about 2400 m in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island of Stromboli was affected by several collapses, which took place in two main stages: the older one, characterised by three concentric caldera collapses and several pyroclastic eruptions related to a flank collapse toward south-east, and the younger one, characterised by two sector collapses, one flank colla- pse towards north-west and predominant lava effusions (Pasquarè et al., 1993). The geological evolution of Stromboli is recorded in its subaerial part for a time span from about 100,000 years BP up to the Present. Four major periods (Paleostromboli, Vancori cicles, Neostromboli and Recent Stromboli) have been recognised and further subdivided into 30 volcano-stratigraphic units. Pyroclastites (ignimbrites, surge and lahar deposits) predominate over lavas (latites) during the first two periods, while the more recent products are generally basalts, with shoshonitic composition (Horning- Kjarsgaard et al., 1993; Rosi, 1980). As regards volcanic hazard, Stromboli is at pre- sent characterised by a peculiar state of permanent activity consisting of mild intermittent explosions and continuous gas steaming. From time to time this normal activity is interrupted by eruptive crises characterised by either lava emission or more violent explosions. There are on average 2.1 events per year of major explosions with fallout of large blocks and incande- scent bombs up to a distance of about 1.5 km from the craters. More violent paroxysms with a larger volume of ejected material and a broader spectrum of phenomena have an occurrence of one event every 10-15 years (Barberi et al., 1993). The island of Stromboli has a high vulnerability to volcanic hazards (e.g. explosive eruption and volcanic landslides) and large tsunamis could also take place as the effect of huge landslide at “Sciara del Fuoco” (Tinti et al., 1999). The morphology of this island is rugged and jag- ged, owing to continuous volcanic eruptions and mari- ne erosional processes. Flat areas, made up of emer- ged marine terraces, are very rare. They are site of the two main human settlements: the villages of Stromboli in the north-east side and of Ginostra in the south-west side. The coastal scenery is characterised by the pre- sence of cliffs with more or less gentle slopes. Only on the north-east side the coastal slope is gentle and grass-covered with rich soil and fields under cultivation. Some sandy and pebbly beaches are also found, mainly along the north-east side. A dark-coloured sandy foreland, between Scari and Punta Lena, extends out from the coast towards the islet of Strombolicchio. It is a significant indicator that two dominant swells are in opposition (Fig. 5). 4.2 – Coastal geomorphosites and geo-tourism Stromboli is an island at high volcanic risk, where it is no longer possible to walk along high-altitude foot- paths without an authorised guide. It is, therefore, advi- sable to explore its rugged coastal landscape by sailing along it, thus reaching also the islet of Strombolicchio, some 1.3 miles away from Stromboli’s north-eastern coast. The complete tour by boat around the island takes about 5 hours, including a stop at the village of Ginostra (Fig. 5). Starting from the pier of Scari and pro- ceeding clockwise, the most important coastal geo- morphosites of volcanic origin are as follows: Stop n. 1 – Le Schicciole Valley Along the eastern coast, three steep small valleys filled with pyroclastic material can be seen. These are volcano-tectonic collapse structures, named “Le Schicciole” and formed some thousands of years ago along the western flanks of Stromboli volcano. They are similar on a smaller scale to the famous “Sciara del 239Coastal geomorphosites of ... Tab. 5 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the fifth and sixth stop selected around the coast of the island of Lipari. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del quinto e sesto stop selezionati intorno alla costa dell’isola di Lipari. Fuoco” depression, which will be described in one of the next stops. In fact, also in this case, the hollow spa- ces left after collapse were later filled by soft and cohe- sionless pyroclastic materials with respect to the har- der, ancient flows which form a sort of container (Table 6). Stop n. 2 – Secche di Lazzaro underwater arches In the area surrounding Secche di Lazzaro the coast has an exposure between 90° and 120°N and is still sheltered from the strong north-westerly mistral wind. Since sea dismantling activity is less intense, the “Lazzaro pyroclastites” (some 4,000 years BP) crop out on top of the Neostromboli lava flows (some 14,000 years BP). Here there are, therefore, excellent condi- tions for observing the various degrees of incidence of erosional processes on the lavas and dip-downstream pyroclastic deposits. Nearby, at Secche di Lazzaro, snorkelling allows the viewing of magnificent rock arches, appearing a few meters below the sea surface. These structures were carved into pyroclastic deposits by wave-motion when the sea level was lower than it is now (Table 7). 240 F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli Fig. 5 - The geological-tourism itinerary around the Isle of Stromboli. Location, dominant landforms and processes of the main coastal geomorphosites. L’itinerario geologico-turistico intorno all’Isola di Stromboli. Ubicazione, morfologia e processi dominanti dei principali geomorfositi costieri. Stop n. 3 – Ginostra - Secche di Lazzaro (first “geo- logical-historical path” of the Aeolian Islands) Ginostra is a small coastal village naturally isola- ted from the lava flows of the ever-active Stromboli vol- cano. The village is made up of a cluster of very basic, simple houses, still with no running water or electricity. Owing to the high landslide susceptibility of the volca- no’s flanks, there are no road connections, not even footpaths, between the villages of Ginostra and Stromboli. The passengers arriving by ferryboat from Naples, Messina and the other Aeolian Islands are tran- sferred into small boats that eventually take them to the “Pertuso”, the small natural harbour dug by the sea into the black basalt lava. At present, the construction of a little harbour similar to that of Stromboli is in progress, in order to offer safe conditions to the local population and the numerous summer tourists (Table 7). Some years ago, the first “geological-historical path” of the Aeolian Islands, from Ginostra to Secche di 241Coastal geomorphosites of ... Tab. 6 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the first stop selected around the coast of the island of Stromboli. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del primo stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’isola di Stromboli. Tab. 7 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the second and third stop selected around the coast of the island of Stromboli. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del secondo e terzo stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’iso- la di Stromboli. Lazzaro, was opened (Fig. 6). It is about 1 km long and its vol- canological features of Neostromboli lava flow (13,800 years BP) are particularly intere- sting: pahoehoe basalt lavas on the path, latitic dykes cutting through it, ignimbrite deposits and their spectacular erosional features, high-energy coastal erosion, with enormous rounded basalt stones and underwater arches carved into pyroclastic rocks (Massoli-Novelli, 1999). Stop n. 4 – Punta Chiappe dykes Punta Chiappe is the site where the major volcanological and geomorphological features of Stromboli can be observed better than anywhere else: the vertical lava dykes (latitic in type of Timpone del Fuoco about 6,000 years BP) which radially cut through the main volcanic edifice. Owing to differential erosion, these dykes clearly emerge as brownish walls from the soft and black pyro- clastites which surround them. This series of vertical dykes runs along the west flanks of the collapsed struc- ture which gave origin to the “Sciara del Fuoco”, described below. At the foothill of the volcano the dykes stretch out into the sea giving rise to a series of small sea stacks, strongly exposed to northern wave activity (Table 8). Stop n. 5 – Sciara del Fuoco depression The “Sciara del Fuoco” depression is an exceptio- nal coaxial semicircular escarpment, defined as a large horseshoe-shaped amphitheatre, opened at the north- west end continuing below sea level (Romagnoli et al., 1993). It is located along the western slope of the island where most of the volcano’s lava and explosive pro- ducts are accumulated. This slope is considerably high – some 400 m a.s.l. – with a slope angle of about 35°, and offers an impressive view when observed from a boat. The “Sciara del Fuoco” is formed as consequence of the youngest flank collapse of Stromboli volcano (Pasquarè et al., 1993) and it is made up of lateral lava flows and cohesionless deposits constantly moving along the slope. These deposits are composed of surge materials, such as scoriae, pumice and volcanic sand, erupted from the volcano’s active vents, which are located in a depression called “Fossa” at an altitude of 700 m. The origin of this concave landform dates from 5- 10,000 years ago, following a series of volcano-tectonic collapses (13,800 years BP) which led to the formation of a 2 km long longitudinal depression which continues underwater in a large submarine canyon up to a depth of 1700 m. In its more superficial part, the walls of the canyon are 150-200 m high and decrease progressively until they gradually disappear beyond 1000 m in depth (Romagnoli et al., 1993). The floor of this submarine depression constantly receives the materials erupted by the volcano, offering spectacular views of great interest for geo-tourism as well as for volcanological excursions (Table 8). Stop n. 6 – Strombolicchio neck The neck of Strombolicchio (about 49 m a.s.l.) is the only emerged evidence of the earliest evolutional stage (some 200,000 years BP) of Stromboli volcanism. It corresponds to the calcalkaline and andesite-basalt compositional neck of a previous volcanic edifice which was completely dismantled by wave-motion (Calanchi et al., 1996). Owing to its peculiar structure with steep cliffs and position at some 2 km in direction of north-east from Stromboli, the islet of Strombolicchio, with a powerful lighthouse at the top, has a particular meaning in the social perception of both residents and tourists; consequently, the understanding and promotion of its peculiar volcanological and geomorphological features is of considerable relevance (Table 9). 5. CONCLUSIONS Islands are fragile ecosystems with a very delicate balance between environmental, economic and social activities and requirements. It is widely acknowledged that islands should be areas singled out for priority interventions concerning conservation policies and sustainable development set up by public Boards, in order to better define developing projects and related conservation actions. These goals may be attained by means of properly planned, well-targeted and culturally innovative interventions. Although the classical tourist approach to the Aeolian Islands can offer plenty of enjoyable leisure activities, it may leave the culturally motivated tourist with a sense of bitterness and frustra- tion, resulting from the lack of appropriate structures capable of appraising the numerous and important geo- 242 F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli Fig. 6 - Stromboli, stop 3. Panoramic viewpoint from south-west of the geological-historical path from Ginostra (left) to Secche di Lazzaro (right). Stromboli, stop 3. Panoramica da sud-ovest del sentiero geologico-storico da Ginostra (a sini- stra) a Secche di Lazzaro (a destra). logical and geomorphological peculiarities of this archi- pelago. Hence the need to provide visitors with alterna- tive routes which take in the classical tourist destina- tions of these islands, but also leave plenty of space for the satisfaction of new cultural needs. The coastal geomorphosites of Lipari and Stromboli represent a good example of volcanism con- trolled by marine processes with a high scientific and educational value. The reconstruction of constructive and destructive phases, leading to present coastal sce- nery, is essential for a systematic knowledge of the archipelago’s geomorphosites. High levels of vulnerability induced by human activity are perceptible in the eastern side of Lipari for the reason that the pumice extraction activity continues and the tourism installations are increasing. Instead, very high levels of vulnerability to natural hazards (e.g. explosive eruption and volcanic landslides) are existing in Stromboli, mainly along the north-west side. 243 Tab. 9 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the sixth stop selected around the coast of the island of Stromboli. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del sesto stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’isola di Stromboli. Tab. 8 - Dominant landform and processes, vulnerability and accessibility of the fourth and fifth stop selected around the coast of the island of Stromboli. Morfologia e processi dominanti, vulnerabilità ed accessibilità del quarto e quinto stop selezionato intorno alla costa dell’isola di Stromboli. Coastal geomorphosites of ... Therefore, according the principles of sustainable development, emphasis is given to the importance of this new form of cultural tourism, named “geo-tourism” finalised not only to promotion and conservation of the coastal landscape of volcanic origin, but also to link opportunities of tourism fruition with the problem of the vulnerability to volcanic hazard consequences. REFERENCES ARNOLDUS-HUYZENDVELD A., GISOTTI G., MASSOLI-NOVELLI R. & ZARLENGA F. (1995) - I beni culturali a caratte- re geologico: i geotopi. Un approccio culturale al problema - Geologia Tecnica e Ambientale, 4, pp. 35-47. BARBERI F., INNOCENTI F., FERRARA G., KELLER J. & VILLARI L. (1974) - Evolution of Eolian arc volcanism (Southern Tyrrenhian Sea) - Earth Planet. Science Letters, 21, pp. 269-276. BARBERI F., ROSI M. & SODI A. (1993) - Volcanic hazard assessment at Stromboli based on review of historical data - Acta Vulcanologica, 3, pp. 173- 188. CALANCHI N., ROSSI P.L., SANMARCHI F. & TRANNE C.A. (1996) - Guida escursionistico vulcanologica delle Isole Eolie - Ed. Centro Studi Ricerche Storia Problemi Eoliani, 203 pp. CALANCHI N., LUCCHI F., PIRAZZOLI P., ROMAGNOLI C., TRAN- NE C.A., RADTKE U., REYSS J.L. & ROSSI P.L. (2002) - Late-Quaternary and recent relative sea-level changes and vertical displacements at Lipari (Aeolian Islands) - Journ. of Quaternary Sciences, 17 (5-6), pp. 459-467. D’ANDREA M., COLACCHI S., GRAMACCINI G., LISI A. & LUGE- RI N. (2003) - Un progetto nazionale per il censi- mento dei geositi in Italia - Geologia dell’Am- biente, Sigea, 1, pp. 25-33. HORNING-KJARSGAARD I., KELLER J., KOBERSKI U., STADL- BAUER E., FRANCALANCI L. & LENHART R. (1993) - Geology, stratigraphy and volcanological evolution of the island of Stromboli, Aeolian arc, Italy - Acta Vulcanologica, 3, pp. 21-68. MASSOLI-NOVELLI R. (1999) - An important Italian geosite: the volcano-island of Stromboli (Sicily) - Proceed. III Intern. Symp. ProGEO on the Conserv. of the Geolog. Heritage, Madrid, November 23-25, 1999, pp. 410-414. MASSOLI-NOVELLI R. (2003a) - Una strategia per la geo- conservazione: il geoturismo - Geologia dell’Am- biente, Sigea, 1, pp. 17-24. MASSOLI-NOVELLI R. (2003b) - Geositi, geoturismo e svi- luppo sostenibile - Geologia dell’Ambiente, Sigea, 1, pp. 167-170. PANIZZA M. & PIACENTE S. (2002) - Geositi nel paesaggio italiano: ricerca, valutazione e valorizzazione. Un progetto di ricerca per una nuova cultura geologi- ca. Geologia dell’Ambiente, Sigea, 2, 3-4. PASQUARÈ G., FRANCALANCI L., GARDUNO V.H. & RIBALDI A. (1993) - Structure and geologic evolution of the Stromboli volcano, Aeolian Islands, Italy - Acta Vulcanologica, 3, 79-89. PICHLER H. (1980) - The island of Lipari - In: “The Aeolian Islands. An active volcanic arc in the Mediterranean Sea”. Rend. Soc. It. Miner. Petrol., 36 (1), pp. 415-440. ROMAGNOLI C., KOKELAAR P., ROSSI P.L. & SODI A. (1993) - The submarine extension of Sciara del Fuoco fea- ture (Stromboli isl.): morphologic characterization - Acta Vulcanologica, 3, pp. 91-98. ROSI M. (1980) - The island of Stromboli - In: “The Aeolian Islands. An active volcanic arc in the Mediterranean Sea”. Rend. Soc. It. Mineral. Petrol., 36 (1), pp.345-368. T INTI S., B ORTOLUCCI E. & R OMAGNOLI C. (1999) – Modeling a possibile Holocenic landslide-induced tsunami at Stromboli volcano, Italy - Phys. Chem. Earth, 24, pp. 423-429. TRANNE C.A., CALANCHI N., LUCCHI F. & ROSSI P.L. (2000) - Geological sketch map of Lipari (Aeolian Islands, Italy) - Ed. Dip. Scienze della Terra e Geologico- Ambientali, Università di Bologna. 244 F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli