Abstract Volcanic particles have particular geodynamic significance. Despite abundant datasets on volcanic-derived sand(stone), the distinction between spatial and temporal distribution of volcanic particles within the sedimentary record is poorly documented. One of the most intricate tasks in optical analysis of volcaniclastic sand(stone) is the distinction of grains eroded from ancient volcanic rocks (palaeovolcanic, noncoeval grains) from grains generated by active volcanism during sedimentation (neovolcanic coeval grains). Petrologic methods are useful for deciphering temporal significance of volcanic particles in detail between palaeovolcanic and neovolcanic, and for active volcanism to decipher syneruptive v. posteruptive processes during deposition in sedimentary basins close to volcanoes. Sedimentary processes during syneruptive, intereruptive and posteruptive phases are well described in continental environments in terms of changing sedimentary facies, for example, the architecture (from body scale to stratigraphic scale), width/depth ratios of palaeochannels, palaeosols and composition of fluvial-channel deposits, whereas they are less documented in deep-marine environments. Examples of volcaniclastic sedimentation derived from both palaeovolcanic and neovolcanic sources are found in diverse geotectonic settings.

Abstract Palaeostraits are common features formed during the extension and fragmentation of active continental margins, when back-arc basins are formed and microplates develop through upper-plate extension. In this contribution, we focus on narrow seaways and straits associated with successive pulses of late Cenozoic rifting along the southwestern Eurasian continental margin, and the ensuing formation and dispersal of microplates. The incomplete and largely non-cylindrical Africa–Eurasia continental collision in the Mediterranean region provides snapshots of the various phases of microplate fragmentation and dispersal, punctuated by the presence of narrow seaways/straits. These peculiar physiographical conditions induced current amplification, and led to the accumulation of characteristic large-scale, cross-stratified deposits and tidal facies in an otherwise generally microtidal setting. Although not univocally related to rifting, the identification of such distinctive sedimentary facies within deformed orogenic belts may ultimately help in terrane analysis and in the discrimination of individual microplates, which were then amalgamated. Recognition and dating of palaeostrait tectonosedimentary facies can thus constrain the presence and the onset of extension in the geological record.

ABSTRACT A broad synform in the Balagne region of northern Corsica (France) comprises the most complete remnant of the southwestern Alpine foreland basin and associated orogenic wedge, which have been otherwise fragmented and mostly eroded by a late Cenozoic postcollisional episode of microplate dispersal along the southern European continental margin. The Upper Cretaceous–Eocene turbidites of the Balagne region record the opening and subsequent progressive closure of the Ligurian-Piedmont ocean, the main branch of the Alpine Tethys in the Western Mediterranean. Sandstone detrital modes (gross and heavy-mineral compositions) of the Balagne turbidites can be compared with those of age-equivalent lithostratigraphic units of the western Alps and the Northern Apennines, thus defining broad sediment paleodispersal patterns and providing compelling paleogeographic constraints on the transition from pre-orogenic passive-margin to synorogenic foreland sedimentation. Upper Cretaceous turbidites of the Novella and Alturaia Formations were deposited along the northeastern (European) margin of the narrow Ligurian-Piedmont ocean. In contrast, the mixed carbonate/siliciclastic turbidites of the Upper Cretaceous Narbinco Formation have a distinct composition relative to the age-equivalent Novella and Alturaia Formations and cannot have been derived from the same sediment source area of the Helminthoid Flysch of the Northern Apennines and the Ligurian Alps. The Middle Eocene Balagne foreland basin fill represents a phase of sediment underfilling during the progressive flexure of the Corsican foreland in front of the advancing Alpine orogenic wedge. The basin-fill succession consists of, from bottom to top: (1) continental-to-transitional conglomerate and sandstone filling paleodepressions within the foreland basement complex; (2) thin and discontinuous nummulitic limestone capping—and partly lateral equivalent to—the basal conglomerate; (3) hemipelagic pelite; and (4) a thick turbidite section.

The Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522–1605)—often reductively considered as a mere encyclopedist and avid collector of natural history curiosities—lived an adventurous youth and a long maturity rich of manuscripts, books, and outstanding achievements. He assembled the largest collections of animals, plants, minerals, and fossil remains of his time, which in 1547 became the basis of the first natural history museum open to the public. Shortly after that, he established the first public scientific library. He also proposed a complete single classification scheme for minerals and for living and fossil organisms, and he defined the modern meaning of the word “geology” in 1603. Aldrovandi tried to bridge the gap between simple collection and modern scientific taxonomy by theorizing a “new science” based on observation, collection, description, careful reproduction, and ordered classification of all natural objects. In an effort to gain an integrated knowledge of all processes occurring on Earth and to derive tangible benefits for humankind, he was a strenuous supporter of team effort, collaboration, and international networking. He anticipated and influenced Galileo Galilei's experimental method and Francis Bacon's utilitarianism, providing also the first attempt to establish the binomial nomenclature for both living and fossil species and introducing the concept of a standard reference or type for each species. His books and manuscripts are outstanding contributions to the classification of geological objects, and to the understanding of natural processes such as lithification and fossilization, thereby also influencing Steno's stratigraphic principles. The importance given to careful observation induced Aldrovandi to implement a uniformitarian approach in geology for both the classification of objects and the interpretation of processes. Aldrovandi influenced a school in natural history that reached its climax with the Istituto delle Scienze of Bologna in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries with scientists such as Cospi, Marsili, Scheuchzer, Vallisneri, Beccari, and Monti in geology, and Malpighi, Cassini, Guglielmini, Montanari, Algarotti in other fields.

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