About Marsili
Marsili is a complex rising to -779 meters (-2,556 feet) in Italy's European Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 1050 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Marsili is located in Italy, within the Aeolian Volcanic Arc of the broader European Volcanic Regions. Situated at 39.28° N, 14.40° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With an elevation of -779 meters — below sea level — Marsili is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Eruption History Summary
Marsili has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 3050 BCE to 1050 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 2,000 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
The Marsili seamount is a 50-km-long volcanic ridge in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea within a back-arc basin about 75-85 km NW of the Aeolian arc volcanoes. Near-source tephra layers obtained from a core sample were determined by Iezzi et al. (2013) to be approximately 3,000 and 5,000 years old. Accretion of the ridge is thought to have begun around 1 Ma. Recent data also indicate that there is ongoing hydrothermal activity and shallow volcano-tectonic seismicity.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 3050 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Marsili
Is Marsili an active volcano?+
Marsili is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1050 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Marsili last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Marsili occurred in 1050 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Marsili has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Marsili?+
Marsili has a summit elevation of -779 meters (-2,556 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -779 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Marsili?+
Marsili is classified as a Complex. Complex volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Marsili located?+
Marsili is located in Italy, in the European Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Aeolian Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 39.284° latitude, 14.399° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Marsili?+
Marsili can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Italy may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
