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Marco Viccaro

Full Professor of [GEOS-01/C]
Membership Section: Earth Sciences section
Contacts

Office: Palazzo Ramondetta - Corso Italia 57
Email: marco.viccaro@unict.it
Phone: +39 095 4783741
Fax: +39 095 7195760
Web Site: www.volcanology-unict.it

Office Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 15:00 to 16:00
VERSIONE ITALIANASTUDIUMAREA RISERVATA

Marco Viccaro took his Degree in Geological Sciences on October 9, 2003 (110 out of 110 cum laude) at the University of Genoa (Italy), disserting an experimental thesis in volcanology. On March 2007, he took the PhD in Petrography and Petrology at the University of Catania. MV has been Researcher (June 2008 - Sept 2015) and Associate Professor (Oct 2015 - Sept 2023) in Geochemistry and Volcanology (SSD GEO/08) at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Since October 2023, MV is Full Professor of Geochemistry and Volcanology at the University of Catania (Italy). Since April 2016, MV is also affiliated to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (Section of Catania). Since September 2023, MV is component of the National Commission for the Prevision and Prevention of Major Risks for the Section Volcanic Risk.

His research activity is chiefly focused on issues regarding magma genesis, nature and timescales of magma differentiation and ascent at distinct active volcanic systems on Earth. MV is involved in various multi-disciplinary scientific collaborations aimed at: 1) defining the role of active tectonics on volcanic processes, through structural/stratigraphic volcanological field surveys followed by data elaboration with GIS platforms; 2) studying the intratelluric dynamics of fluids (magma and/or gas) from the analysis of seismic signals; 3) developing of systems for geothermal energy exploitation with high performances; 4) characterizing stone materials of magmatic origin employed in buildings relevant for architecture and ceramic pastes.

For the academic year 2008/09, he held the course of Volcanological Field Survey (3 CFU) for the Specialist Degree in Geological Sciences at the University of Catania. Since the academic year 2009/10, he held at the same University the course of Geochemistry (6 CFU) for the Degree in Geological Sciences and the course of Regional Volcanology with Field Survey (9 CFU) for the Specialist Degrees in Geological Sciences and Geophysical Sciences. Since the academic year 2015/16, he held the course of Geothermal Resources and Applications (6 CFU) for the Specialist Degree in Geophysical Sciences. In the period November 2016 - October 2024, MV has been President of the Master Degree Course in Geophysical Sciences at the University of Catania. He is advisor of over 100 theses, also at other National Universities, and tutor of 7 PhD thesis.

Within the framework of research transfer to the enterprises (Third Mission of the University), MV is proposer and Administrator of the EarTherm s.r.l., Spin-Off of the University of Catania that operates in the field of renewable energies with particular reference to low-enthalpy geothermal resources.

MV has participated to several national and international congresses, even as Convener of thematic sessions, and has coordinated or taken part actively to research projects such as PON, PNRR, PRIN and other ministerial programs, INGV-DPC, PRA. He is member of societies and groups that actively works in scientific research and its popularization in the field of volcanology, geochemistry and petrology (AIV, also as Member of the President Board for the years 2009-2011, IAVCEI, SIMP, GNP). He was awarded by the SIMP of the prestigious “Angelo Bianchi Award 2011” for his research achievements in the field of petrography and petrology. MV covers editorial roles in international journals and he is reviewer of several papers on journals. He is author of 302 publications, namely 80 articles on international journals, 4 book chapters, 3 articles on other magazines and 215 conference proceedings.

EDUCATION AND TITLES

  • Degree in Geological Sciences (110 out of 110 cum laude), University of Genova (Italy), October 9, 2003. Thesis: Petrological characterization of Etnean lavas of the July-August 2001 eruption (in Italian). Advisors: Prof. L. Cortesogno and Prof. R. Cristofolini.
  • Ph.D. in Petrography and Petrology, University of Catania (Italy), March 1, 2007. Thesis: Genesis, differentiation and eruptive dynamics of Mt. Etna magmas. Advisor: Prof. R. Cristofolini.
  • Researcher in Geochemistry and Volcanology at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of (Italy), since June 25, 2008 (D.R. n. 6440 of June 24, 2008).
  • Habilitation to Associate Professor in the field of Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology, Georesources and Applications (SC 04/A1, Call 2012, DD n. 222/2012) achieved on February 6, 2014.
  • Associate Professor of Geochemistry and Volcanology (SSD GEO/08) at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania (Italy), since October 1, 2015 (D.R. n. 2203 of July 7, 2015).
  • Affiliated at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia – Sezione di Catania, Osservatorio Etneo since April 1, 2016 (Decree n. 1/2016 and n. 314B/2017 of the Director of the Branch “Volcanoes” of INGV).
  • Habilitation to Full Professor in the field of Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology, Georesources and Applications (SC 04/A1, Call 2016, DD n. 1532/2016) achieved on April 10, 2017.
  • Full Professor of Geochemistry and Volcanology (SSD GEO/08) at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania (Italy), since October 1, 2023 (D.R. n. 3634 of September 29, 2023).

DIDACTICS

Didactics in Degree Courses

  • Nov 2008 – Oct 2009: Volcanological Field Survey (3 CFU) for the MSc Degree in Geological Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2009 – present: Geochemistry (6 CFU) for the Bachelor Degree in Geological Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2009 – present: Regional Volcanology and Volcanological Field Survey (9 CFU) for the MSc Degree in Geological Sciences and Geophysical Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2015 – present: Geothermal Resources and Applications (6 CFU) for the MSc Degree in Geophysical Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Member of the examination commissions for the following courses at the University of Catania: Geochemistry, Regional Volcanology and Field Survey, General and Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Volcanology, Petrology, Petrology of the Ore Deposits.
  • Member of the commissions for the Bachelor and MSc Degrees in Geological and Geophysical Sciences at the University of Catania.
  • Advisor of 105 theses for the Bachelor and MSc Degrees in Geological and Geophysical Sciences at the University of Catania.
  • Advisor of 4 theses for MSc Degree in Geological Sciences at others national Universities.

Didactics in PhD Courses

  • Nov 2009 – Oct 2012: Member of the PhD's Professors for the Course of Doctorate in Petrography and Petrology at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2010 – Oct 2015: Member of the PhD's Professors for the Course of Doctorate in Earth Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2013 – present: Member of the PhD's Professors for the Course of Doctorate in Geological Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2013 – Feb 2017: Tutor of Dr. Marisa Giuffrida, PhD candidate in Earth Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy) - XXIX Cicle; title of the PhD Thesis: “Degassing of CO2-rich basic magmatic systems: implications on phase equilibria and dynamics of volcanic processes”.
  • Nov 2017 – Dec 2020: Tutor of Dr. Francesco Zuccarello, PhD candidate in Earth Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy) - XXXIII Cicle; title of the PhD Thesis: “Ascent rates vs. degassing at basic volcanoes: quantification of the parameter tempo as primary factor controlling the explosivity of eruption”.
  • Nov 2019 – Jan 2023: Tutor of Dr. Giovanni Floridia, PhD candidate in Earth Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy) - XXXV Cicle; title of the PhD Thesis: “Sicily as a pilot region for microzonation of the low enthalpy geothermal potential”. Fellow granted by PON-POC 2014-20 “Innovative PhD with industrial character”.
  • Nov 2020 – Nov 2022: Tutor of Dr. Marta Minniti, PhD candidate in Earth Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy) - XXXVI Cicle; title of the PhD Thesis: “Triggering dynamics of the Stromboli explosive activity: nature and spatial-temporal constraints of processes with implications for the setup of the early warning system”.
  • Nov 2021 – Oct 2024: Tutor of Dr. Massimiliano Cardone, PhD candidate in Earth Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy) - XXXVII Cicle; title of the PhD Thesis: “Multiparametric study of the paroxysmal activity of 2020-22 at Mt. Etna: role of fluids on the triggering mechanisms, duration and energy of eruptive phenomena”.
  • Dec 2021 – present: Tutor of Dr. Salvatore Urso, PhD candidate in Earth Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy) - XXXVII PON Cicle; title of the PhD Thesis: “Evaluation of the geothermal potential in Sicily and plant solutions to support the green transition; innovative techniques for remote monitoring and management of natural resources”.
  • Jul 2023 – present: Member of the PhD's Professors for the Course of Doctorate of National Interest in Earth processes and management of resources and risks for a resilient society and territory (administration at the Università degli Studi di Bari “Aldo Moro”).
  • Reviewer of n. 4 PhD Theses at national and international Universities.
  • Member of final examination for Doctorate courses at national and international Universities.

Other didactic activities

  • Nov 2004 – Oct 2006: Lecturer in Mineralogy, Petrography, Volcanology and Geochemistry at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Oct 2013 – Jul 2018: Member of the Master of Science Committee at the Department of Geological Sciences of the Central Washington University (USA).

COORDINATION OF RESEARCH COLLABORATORS

  • Sep 2010 – Aug 2011: Tutor of Dr. Eugenio Nicotra, Post-Doc Fellow SSD GEO/08 at the University of Catania for the theme: “Geochemical characteristics, ascent dynamics and eruptive styles of magmas in the Etnean feeding system”.
  • Mar 2012 – Feb 2014: Co-Tutor of Dr. Eugenio Nicotra, Post-Doc Fellow SSD GEO/08 at the University of Calabria for the theme: “Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of magmatic systems in rift settings”.
  • Feb 2015 – Apr 2016: Co-Tutor of Dr. Eugenio Nicotra, Post-Doc Fellow SSD GEO/08 at the University of Calabria for the theme: “Geochemical characteristics, ascent dynamics and eruptive styles of magmas in the Lipari-Vulcano volcanic system”.
  • Sep 2016 – Nov 2016: Tutor of Dr. Salvatore Urso, research fellow at the University of Catania for the theme “Elaboration of volcanological and geophysical data of the eruptive cycle 2011-2014 at Mt. Etna”.
  • Feb 2019 – Dec 2021: Tutor of Dr. Marisa Giuffrida, Post-Doc Fellow SSD GEO/08 at the University of Catania for the theme “Textural characterization and avantgarde micro-compositional analysis of crystals in volcanic ashes”.
  • May 2021 – Jul 2021: Tutor of Dr. Francesco Zuccarello, research fellow at the University of Catania for the theme “Integration of volcanological, petrological and geophysical data of the eruptive period 2019-2021 at Mt. Etna volcano”.
  • Jan 2022 – present: Scientific responsible of the project developed by Dr. Marisa Giuffrida, Researcher (RTD-a SSD GEO/08) at the University of Catania for the theme “The contribution of geothermal fluids in volcanic areas for the supply of Critical Raw Materials useful for the energetic green transition”.
  • Apr 2024 – present: Tutor of Dott. Roberto Visalli, post-doc fellow GEOS-01/C at the University of Catania for the theme “Textural and compositional investigations of minerals and rocks in active volcanic areas through quantitative image analysis”.
  • Nov 2024 – present: Tutor of Dott. Massimiliano Cardone, post-doc fellow GEOS-01/C at the University of Catania for the theme “Elaboration of petrological, geochemical and geophysical data for the development of tridimensional models of the lithosphere aimed at the definition of the subsoil thermal state in active volcanic areas”.

INVITED TALKS AND LECTURES

  • Mar 4, 2008: Invited Speaker at the Institut fur Geologie, Mineralogie und Geophysik, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (Germany) for the seminar “Tracking gas-rich magma ascent at basaltic volcanoes: an exceptional case from the recent activity of Mount Etna”.
  • Nov 18, 2008: Invited Speaker at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Calabria (Cosenza, Italy) for the seminar “Geochemical characteristics of Etnean magmas: inferences on the source zones and differentiation processes in magma chamber”.
  • Sept 27 – Oct 1, 2010: Invited lesson at the International School of Volcanology “Explosive basaltic volcanism: the case studies of Mt. Etna and Hyblean Plateau” organized by the AIV in collaboration with INGV for the lesson “Dynamics of magma ascent in basaltic volcanoes” (Nicolosi, Italy).
  • Keynote Speaker at the AIV-SGI-SIMP-SoGeI 2017 congress - Geosciences: a tool in a changing world with the talk “How the modern Etna plumbing system works: messages from the crystal cargo of recently erupted volcanic rocks”. Pisa, September 3-6.
  • Keynote Speaker at the SGI-SIMP 2018 congress - Geosciences for the environment, natural hazards and cultural heritage with the talk “Natural clocks in volcanic rocks! Untangling magmatic processes fixing their tempo: what we have learned from the 2011-16 activity at Etna”. Catania, September 12-14.
  • Invited conference at the Institute of Geothermal Sciences della Kyoto University (Japan) with the talk “Our hot (and cool) Planet – The importance of exploiting high-grade and low-grade geothermal resources for a sustainable social and economic growth of the Earth. Kyoto (Japan), November 8, 2018.
  • Invited conference at the Italian Institute of Cuture of Osaka (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) with the talk “Mt. Etna volcano: a giant in the middle of the Mediterranean coexisting with Mankind”. Osaka (Japan), November 10, 2018.
  • Invited talk “Volcanoes of Sicily: opportunities and risks for the territory”, SIGEA “La Scienza e la Tecnica raccontate”. Palazzo della Cultura, Catania, September 4, 2019.
  • Invited talk at the 4th Rittmann Conference “Challenges for the Italian Volcanology”, February 13, 2020.
  • Invited talk at the National Congress of Volunteer Pharmacists of the Civil Protection with the talk “Italy land of volcanoes: opportunities and risks for the territory”. Catania, May 28, 2022.
  • Invited conference “Energy transition and geothermal energy” at the La Culturale Festival “Disicanti e oltre”. Palazzo della Cultura, Catania, January 15, 2023.
  • Invited conference “Living with volcanoes: awareness of hazards for an efficient mitigation of risks deriving from the eruptive activity”. ECOMED Progetto Comfort Green Expo del Mediteraraneo, Siciliafiera of Misterbianco (CT), April 19-21, 2023.
  • Invited conference “Telling about volcanoes: divulgation of scientific research to feed the consciousness of hazards and risks in the society”. Memorie del Fuoco – racconti di un vulcano, Centro culture contemporanee Zo, Catania, April 20, 2023.
  • Invited conference “Geothermal potential of the Mining Basin of Caltanissetta”, Celebration of the 161th foundation anniversary of the Istituto Tecnico Minerario S. Mottura, Caltanissetta, May 19, 2023.
  • Invited conference “Volcanoes: from the origin of life to risks for the populations”. Festival Vulcani Etna, Trecastagni, June 23-25, 2023.
  • Invited conference “Salina and its volcanoes: telling the past of the island looking at the active volcanism on Earth”. Salina International Art Festival, Malfa, September 30, 2023.
  • Invited conference “Introduction to the contrasts of the land of ice and fire”. Festival Vulcani Etna, Trecastagni (CT), June 21-23 2024.
  • Invited talk at the Geologicamente Coffee, Italian Geological Society “Sicily, promised land of geothermal resources”. Virtual, October 17 2024.

INSTITUTIONAL ACADEMIC ROLES

  • Dec 2011 – Oct 2014: Secretary of the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania.
  • Nov 2012 – Sep 2016: Secretary of the MSc Degree Course in Geophysical Sciences at the University of Catania.
  • Nov 2013 – present: Reference Professor for the Course of Doctorate in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2014 – present: Secretary of the Course of Doctorate in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Nov 2016 – present: President of the MSc Course in Geophysical Sciences at the University of Catania (Italy).
  • Jun 2020 – Jun 2023: Elected member of the Directive Board for 2020-23 of the National Board of Presidents of the Courses of Geological and Geophysical Sciences.

ROLES AND EXTRA-INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Jan 2003 – Dec 2020: Member of Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology (SIMP).
  • Jan 2004 – Dec 2006: Member of the Italian Group of Volcanology (GIV).
  • Nov 2004 – present: Member of National Group of Petrography (GNP).
  • Jan 2005 – present: Member of International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth Interior (IAVCEI).
  • Jan 2007 – present: Member of Italian Association of Volcanology (AIV).
  • Jan 2009 – December 2014: Member of the President Board of the Italian Association of Volcanology (AIV).
  • Mar 2019 – Mar 2023: Science Officer of the GMPV Division of the European Geosciences Union.
  • Sep 2017 – present: Member of the Geoparks Commission of the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology.
  • Feb 2022 – present: Member of the European Association of Geochemistry (EAG).
  • Jan 2021 – present: President of the Italian Association of Volcanology Italiana di Vulcanologia (AIV).
  • Dec 2022 – present: Resident corresponding member of the Accademia Gioenia of Catania.
  • Sep 2023 – present: Component of the National Commission for the Prevision and Prevention of Major Risks Section Volcanic Risk (Decree of the Minister for the Civil Protection and Policy of Seas of August 30, 2023).

COORDINATION AND PARTECIPATION TO RESEARCH CENTERS

  • Member of the Scientific Board of the Interuniversity Center for the Researches in Volcanology (CIRVULC) nominated on January 30, 2015 by the Rector of the University of Catania (co-founder University of CIRVULC).
  • Elected member of the Managing Board of the Interuniversity Center for the Researches in Volcanology (CIRVULC) for the University of Catania.

COORDINATION AND PARTECIPATION TO RESEARCH PROJECTS

  • PRIN 2005 (National Interest Research Projects): “Magma ascent and dynamic of eruptions”, as Ph.D. student at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator of the Local Unit: R. Cristofolini.
  • Projects of the University of Catania 2005-2006: “The recent Etnean eruptive manifestations in the picture of the volcanism in the area”, as Ph.D. student at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator: R. Cristofolini.
  • INGV – DPC Projects 2005-2006 (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology – Department for Civil Defence): “Researches on active volcanoes, precursors, scenarios, hazard and risk, sub-project V3_6 Etna: Plumbing system and structure of the volcano from the lithosphere to the surface”, as Ph.D. student and Research Fellow at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator: R. Cristofolini.
  • INGV – DPC Projects 2007-2009 (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology – Department for Civil Defence): “Project V3_LAVA, Realization of the lava flow invasion hazard map at Mt. Etna and methods for its dynamic update, sub-project V3_02: Vent opening probability map”, as Research Scientist at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator: S. Gresta.
  • Projects of the University of Catania 2007: “Differentiation processes and characteristics of the Etnean magma sources in relation to the ascent mechanisms and eruptive styles”, as Research Scientist at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator: R. Cristofolini.
  • Projects of the University of Catania 2008-2011: “Characteristics of the source and evolutionary processes of the Etna magmas”, as Research Scientist the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator: M. Viccaro.
  • Annual project for the diffusion of the scientific knowledge (Legge 6/2000), year 2010: “An expositive and multimedial travel to discover heritage of the Sicilian museums: fossils, minerals and volcanic rocks”, as Research Scientist the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator: A. Rosso.
  • Projects of the University of Catania 2012: “Dynamics of magma ascent and eruption constrained on the basis of textural development and compositional changes in phenocrysts of basic systems”, as Research Scientist at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania (Italy). Coordinator: M. Viccaro.
  • INGV – DPC Projects 2014-2015 (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology – Department for Civil Defence): “Project V_3: Multi-disciplinary analysis of the relationships between tectonic structures and volcanic activity; Task 3: Relationships between regional tectonic structures and the Vulcano-Lipari system; WP11: Relationships between tectonic features and volcanic activity in the southern sector of the Aeolian Arc”, as Research Scientist at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania. Coordinator: R. De Rosa.
  • Projects of the University of Catania (FIR 2014, selection on the basis of peer-review): "Dynamics of evolution, ascent and emplacement of basic magmas: case studies form the eruptive manifestations of Eastern Sicily”, as Research Scientist at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania. Coordinator: M. Viccaro.
  • Projects of the University of Catania (Triennial Research Plan 2016-18): “Magma ascent in basic volcanic systems: definition of the chemical, physical and kinetics parameters for the development of energetic eruptions” (first year), at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania. Coordinator: M. Viccaro.
  • Project “REUCET - Recovering and using of Etnean volcanic ashes” (granted by Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare), aimed at developing new technologies for the recovering, recycling, and treatment of wastes not included in categories already covered by a consortium of production chain, at the product ecodesign and the right management of the related wastes (24 months), Coordinator: P. Roccaro (DICAR, UniCT), responsible for the DSBGA: M. Viccaro.
  • Projects of the University of Catania (Triennial Research Plan 2016-18): “Magma ascent in basic volcanic systems: definition of the chemical, physical and kinetics parameters for the development of energetic eruptions” (second year), at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania. Coordinator: M. Viccaro.
  • Projects of the University of Catania (PIACERI 2020-22) “PAROSSISMA - Multi-parametric approach for the study of paroxysmal eruptions in open-conduit volcanic systems”, at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania. Coordinator: M. Viccaro.
  • Project MetaSeaTM, funded by Ministry of the Economic Development (12 months) at the Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Catania. Coordinator: Digital Atom srl; Coordinator for UniCt: R. Sanfilippo; funding 176.760,00 Euro.
  • Project within the framework of the PON-POC Research and Innovation 2014-20 Action I.1 “Geothermal microzonation for the optimization of low enthalpy geothermal systems”. Scientific Responsible: M. Viccaro.
  • Project within the framework of the PON 2014-20 Action IV.5 Green REACT-EU “Evaluation of the geothermal potential in Sicily and plant solutions to support the green transition: innovative techniques for remote monitoring and management of natural resources”. Scientific Responsible: M. Viccaro.
  • Project within the framework of the PON 2014-20 Action IV.6 REACT-EU “Contribution of geothermal fluids in volcanic areas for recovery of Critical Raw Materials in light of the green energy transition”. Scientific Responsible: M. Viccaro.
  • Project PRIN 2022 “AWARE - Exploring new volcanological perspectives at the Marsili seamount: from magma generation to eruption and implications for the volcanic hazard in Southern Italy” (24 months). PI: E. Nicotra; UR Responsible: M. Viccaro, funding 64.112,80 Euro.
  • Project PRIN 2022 PNRR “Thermal model of Aeolian Islands for new perspectives of sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources” (24 months). PI: M. Viccaro, funding 239.820,00 Euro.

EVALUATION ACTIVITIES

Research projects

  • Member of the Expert Panel for the evaluation of international research projects for the National Science Fundation (United States of America).
  • Member of the Expert Panel for the evaluation of international research projects for the Natural Environment Research Council (United Kingdom).
  • Member of the Expert Panel for the evaluation of international research projects for the Swiss National Science Foundation (Switzerland).
  • Independent Expert Evaluator for the European Commission within the framework of the Research and Development Program Horizon 2020.
  • Member of the REPRISE (Register of Expert Peer Reviewers for Italian Scientific Evaluation) for the sections “base research”, “industrial research”, and “diffusion of the scientific knowledge”.
  • Independent Expert Evaluator for the evaluation of research projects POR Puglia 2014/2020 – Asse X – Action 10.4, public call n. 2/FSE/2019 “Research for Innovation – REFIN”.
  • Member of the Expert Panel for the evaluations of proposals within the framework of PON RI 2014-2020 and PSRI 2015-2017.

Evaluation activities for ANVUR

  • Reviewer for the evaluation of scientific publications within the framework of VQR 2011-2014.
  • Candidate as Expert of Evaluation (AVA), call 21/2021, approval by Directive Board of ANVUR n. 295 of December 21, 2021.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

  • May – Aug 2002: Beneficiary of “Funding for training of researcher at high-qualification research centres” granted from the University of Genova (Italy).
  • Jan – Apr 2003: Beneficiary of “Funding for training of researcher at high-qualification research centres” granted from the University of Genova (Italy).
  • Winner of the “Angelo Bianchi Award 2011” granted by the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology for achievements in petrography and petrology.
  • Certificate of merit released by UnionCamere Sicilia for the activities of the Innovative Start-up EarTherm s.r.l.

ORGANIZING SKILLS

  • Sep 2009: Convener at Geoitalia 2009 – 7th Italian Forum of Earth Sciences, Rimini (Italy), for the session “Dynamics of volcanic systems from magma genesis to eruption”. Co-Convener: R. Cristofolini and L. Francalanci.
  • Sep 2010: Member of the Organizing Committee of the International School of Volcanology “Explosive basaltic volcanism: the case studies of Mt. Etna and Hyblean Plateau” organized by the AIV in collaboration with INGV, Nicolosi (Italy), Sept 27 – Oct 1.
  • Jun 2011: Member of the Organizing Committee of the “Rittmann Conference for young researchers” organized by the AIV in collaboration with INGV-CT, Nicolosi (Italy), June 7 -9.
  • Sep 2011: Member of the Scientific Panel at the 8° Italian Forum of Earth Sciences, Torino (Italy).
  • Sep 2011: Convener at Geoitalia 2011 – 8th Italian Forum of Earth Sciences, Torino (Italy), for the session “The contribution of microanalysis to the study of volcanic systems”. Co-Convener: M. Pompilio.
  • Dec 2012: Member of the Scientific Panel at the A. Rittmann Conference organized by the AIV in collaboration with INGV. Nicolosi (Italy), December 12-14.
  • Aug 2013: Convener at the Goldschmidt Conference 2013, Florence (Italy), for the session: Mt. Etna from source to surface: deciphering how a complex basaltic magma storage and transport system works”. Co-Conveners: W.A. Bohrson, A. Paonita, G. Puglisi.
  • Sep 2013: Convener at Geoitalia 2013 – 9th Italian Forum of Earth Sciences, Pisa (Italy), for the session “Lessons from the observation of recent eruptions”. Co-Conveners: R. Cioni (University of Pisa), Mike Burton (INGV – Section of Pisa), Maurizio Ripepe (University of Firenze).
  • Sep 2014: Convener at the SGI-SIMP Congress 2014 for the session “Volcano laboratories: where geology, geophysics and geochemistry gather together”. Milano, September 10-12. Co-Conveners: Giuseppe De Natale (INGV – Osservatorio Vesuviano).
  • Oct 2014: Member of the Scientific Panel at the A. Rittmann Conference organized by the AIV in collaboration with INGV. Nicolosi (Italy), October 29-31.
  • Oct 2014: Convener at the A. Rittmann Conference for the session “Feeding and ascent dynamics of magmas”. Nicolosi, October 29-31. Co-Conveners: Paola Donato (Università della Calabria), Patrizia Landi (INGV - Sezione di Pisa).
  • Sep 2015: Member of the Scientific Panel at the SIMP-AIV-SoGei-SGI Congress “Dynamic Planet: developments and perspectives 100 years after Wegener”. Firenze, September 2-4.
  • Sep 2018: Member of the Scientific Panel at the SGI-SIMP Congress “Geosciences for the Environment, Natural Hazards and Cultural Heritage”. Catania, September 12-14.
  • Sep 2018: Convener at Cities on Volcanoes 10 for the session “Multi-method approaches to screen storage, activation, and transport in magmatic systems”. Napoli, September 2-7, 2018. Co-Conveners: Daniele Carbone (INGV – Osservatorio Etneo), Tarsilo Girona (California Institute of Technology), Maren Kahl (University of Iceland), Teresa Ubide (The University of Queensland), Sylvie Vergniolle (IPGP).
  • Nov 2018: Member of the Organizing Committee of the conference “Low Enthalpy Geothermal Energy: new perspectives for a sustainable energetic development”. Organized by: Regione Siciliana, Università di Catania, AICCRE, EarTherm srl, Elettrosystem srl, Hitec2000 srl. Palazzo Centrale dell’Università di Catania, November 30, 2018.
  • Jan 2019: Convener at the Rittmann Conference for Young Researchers for the session “Magmas and Feeding Systems”. Roma, January 30 – February 1, 2019. Co-Convener: Paola Donato (Università della Calabria).
  • Nov 2019: Convener at the 38th GNGTS Congress for the session “Volcanoes and Geothermics”. Roma, November 12-14, 2019. Co-Convener: Mimmo Palano (INGV - Sezione di Catania, Osservatorio Etneo).
  • Feb 2020: Member of the Organizing Committee of the 4th Rittmann Conference organized by AIV-INGV-UNICT. Catania, February 12-14, 2020.
  • Feb 2020: Convener at the 4th Rittmann Conference for the session “Landscapes and Geo-Cultural Heritage in volcanic areas: a great chance for the management of geosites and the volcanological education”. Co-Conveners: Chiara Cardaci (Dipartimento della Protezione Civile), Rosella Nave (INGV – Osservatorio Vesuviano). Catania, February 12-14, 2020.
  • Jun 2020: Convener at the Goldschmidt Virtual Conference 2020 for the session “The Magmatic Breath - Volcanic systems studied through volatile elements”, June 21-26. Co-Convener: Philipp Ruprecht (University of Nevada at Reno).
  • Jun 2021: Convener at the 39th GNGTS Congress “Volcanoes and Geothermal Fields”. Online, June 22-24, 2021. Co-Convener: Mimmo Palano (INGV - Sezione di Catania, Osservatorio Etneo).
  • Sep 2021: Invited Chair-person at the PhD Day, 90th SGI Congress. Online, September 13, 2021.
  • Sep 2021: Convener at the 90th SGI Congress for the session “Volcanic hazard in the terrestrial and marine environment”. Online, September 14-16, 2021. Co-Convener: Francesca Bianco (INGV - Osservatorio Vesuviano), Giorgio Lacanna (Università di Firenze).
  • Apr 2022: Science Officer of the program GMPV8 – Advances in Igneous Petrology all’EGU General Assembly 2022. Vienna (Austria), April 3-8, 2022. Co-Organizers: Andrea Di Muro (IPGP), Chiara Maria Petrone (Natural History Museum), Brendan McCormick Kilbride (University of Manchester).
  • Apr 2022: Science Officer of the program GMPV9 – Volcanic Processes all’EGU General Assembly 2022. Vienna (Austria), April 3-8, 2022. Co-Organizers: Andrea Di Muro (IPGP), Evgenia Ilynskaya (University of Leeds), Brendan McCormick Kilbride (University of Manchester).
  • Sep 2022: Member of the Organizing Committee of the 5th Rittmann Conference organized by AIV-INGV-UNICT-IAVCEI. Catania, September 29 – October 1 2022.
  • Apr 2023: Science Officer of the program GMPV7 – Advances in Igneous Petrology all’EGU General Assembly 2023. Vienna (Austria), April 23-28, 2023. Co-Organizers: Marian Holness (University of Cambridge), Chiara Maria Petrone (Natural History Museum), Brendan McCormick Kilbride (University of Manchester).
  • Apr 2023: Science Officer of the program GMPV8 – Volcanic processes and recent eruptions all’EGU General Assembly 2023. Vienna (Austria), April 23-28, 2023. Co-Organizers: Evgenia Ilynskaya (University of Leeds), Brendan McCormick Kilbride (University of Manchester).
  • Apr 2023: Science Officer of the program GMPV9 – Living with active volcanoes: resources, monitoring, hazards and risk mitigation all’EGU General Assembly 2023. Vienna (Austria), April 23-28, 2023. Co-Organizers: Evgenia Ilynskaya (University of Leeds), Brendan McCormick Kilbride (University of Manchester).
  • Sep 2023: Co-President of the SIMP-SGI-SoGeI-AIV Congress. Potenza, September 19-21, 2023.
  • Sep 2024: Member of the Organizing Committee of the 6th Rittmann Conference organized by AIV-INGV-UNICT-IAVCEI. Catania, September 18-20 2024.
  • Sep 2024 – Chair of the plenary event “Focus Campi Flegrei” within the framework of the 6th Rittmann Conference organized by AIV-INGV-UNICT-IAVCEI. Catania, September 18-20 2024.

EDITORIAL ACTIVITY

  • Jul 2013 – Dec 2015: Editorial board member of the international journal “Periodico di Mineralogia”.
  • Jul 2013 – Oct 2018: Associate Editor of the international journal “Advances in Chemistry - Geochemistry” (Hindawi Publishing Corporation).
  • May 2015 – Jan 2025: Associate Editor of the international journal “Geosciences” (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute).
  • Mar 2017 – Dec 2022: Review Editor for the international journal “Frontiers in Earth Science – Volcanology”.
  • Nov 2018 – Jan 2025: Associate Editor for the international journal “Journal of Chemistry” (Hindawi Publishing Corporation).
  • May 2019 – present: Associate Editor of the international journal “Scientific Reports” (Springer Nature).
  • Dec 2022 – present: Associate Editor of the international journal “Frontiers in Earth Science – Volcanology” (Frontiers Media).
  • Guest Editor for Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana, volume 35, supplement 2, July 2015 (SIMP-AIV-SoGei-SGI Congress).
  • Guest Editor of the special issue of Miscellanea INGV, volume 52, Abstract volume, 4th Rittmann Conference, Catania, February 12-14, 2020.
  • Guest Editor of the special issue of Miscellanea INGV, volume 70, Abstract volume, 5th Rittmann Conference, Catania, September 29 – October 1 2022.
  • Reviewer for the following international journals: Nature Communications, Scientific Reports, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Journal of Petrology, Geology, Lithos, Bulletin of Volcanology, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Chemical Geology, Terra Nova, Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, G-cubed, American Mineralogist, Mineralogy and Petrology, International Journal of Earth Sciences, International Geology Review, Central European Journal of Geosciences, X-Ray Spectrometry, Geosciences, Periodico di Mineralogia, Frontiers in Earth Sciences, Italian Journal of Geosciences.

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS (302)

Articles on peer-reviewed journals (Total 80)

  1. Viccaro M., Ferlito C., Cortesogno L., Cristofolini R., Gaggero L. (2006). Magma mixing during the 2001 event at Mount Etna (Italy): effects on the eruptive dynamics. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 149, 139-159, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2005.06.004.
  2. Viccaro M., Ferlito C., Cristofolini R. (2007). Amphibole crystallization in the Etnean feeding system: mineral chemistry and trace element partitioning between Mg-hastingsite and alkali basaltic melt. European Journal of Mineralogy, 19, 499-511, doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2007/0019-1747.
  3. Ferlito C., Viccaro M., Cristofolini R. (2008). Volatile-induced magma differentiation in the plumbing system of Mt. Etna volcano (Italy): evidence from glass in tephra of the 2001 eruption. Bulletin of Volcanology, 70, 455-473, doi:10.1007/s00445-007-0149-y.
  4. Viccaro M., Cristofolini R. (2008). Nature of mantle heterogeneity and its role in the short-term geochemical and volcanological evolution of Mt. Etna (Italy). Lithos, 105, 272-288, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2008.05.001.
  5. Viccaro M., Ferlito C., Cristofolini R. (2008). Complex evolution processes in the upper feeding system of Mt. Etna as revealed by the geochemistry of recent lavas. Periodico di Mineralogia, 77, 21-42, doi:10.2451/2008PM0017.
  6. Ciliberto E., Crisafulli C., Manuella F.C., Samperi F., Scirè S., Scribano V., Viccaro M., Viscuso E. (2009). Aliphatic hydrocarbons in metasomatized gabbroic xenoliths from Hyblean diatremes (Sicily): genesis in a serpentinite hydrothermal system. Chemical Geology, 258, 258-268, doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2008.10.029.
  7. Scribano V., Viccaro M., Cristofolini R., Ottolini L. (2009). Metasomatic events recorded in ultramafic xenoliths from the Hyblean area (Southeastern Sicily, Italy). Mineralogy and Petrology, 95, 235-250, doi:10.1007/s00710-008-0031-4.
  8. Viccaro M., Scribano V., Cristofolini, R., Ottolini, L., Manuella F.C. (2009). Primary origin of some trachytoid magmas: inferences from naturally quenched glasses in hydrothermally metasomatized gabbroic xenoliths (Hyblean area, Sicily). Lithos, 113, 659-672, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2009.06.037.
  9. Ferlito C., Viccaro M., Cristofolini R. (2009). Volatile-rich magma injection into the feeding system during the 2001 eruption of Mt. Etna (Italy): its role on explosive activity and change in rheology of lavas. Bulletin of Volcanology, 71, 1149-1158, doi:10.1007/s00445-009-0290-x.
  10. Ferlito C., Viccaro M., Nicotra E., Cristofolini R. (2009). Comment on: “Complex magma dynamics at Mount Etna revealed by seismic, thermal, and volcanological data” by B. Behncke, S. Falsaperla, and E. Pecora. Journal of Geophysical Research, 114, B12204, doi:10.1029/2009JB006511.
  11. Barone G., Belfiore C.M., Mazzoleni P., Pezzino A., Viccaro M. (2010). A volcanic inclusions based approach for provenance studies of archaeological ceramics: application to pottery from Southern Italy. Journal of Archaeological Science, 37, 713-726, doi:10.1016/j.jas.2009.11.002.
  12. Viccaro M., Giacomoni P.P., Ferlito C., Cristofolini R. (2010). Dynamics of magma supply at Mt. Etna volcano (Southern Italy) as revealed by textural and compositional features of plagioclase phenocrysts. Lithos, 116, 77-91, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2009.12.012.
  13. Belfiore C.M., Di Bella M., Triscari M., Viccaro M. (2010). Production technology and provenance study of archaeological ceramics from relevant sites in the Alcantara River Valley (North-eastern Sicily, Italy). Materials Characterization, 61, 440-451, doi:10.1016/j.matchar.2010.01.012.
  14. Nicotra E., Viccaro M., Ferlito C., Cristofolini R. (2010). Influx of volatiles into shallow reservoirs at Mt. Etna volcano (Italy) responsible for halogen-rich magmas. European Journal of Mineralogy, 22, 121-138, doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2010/0022-1991.
  15. Belfiore C.M., La Russa M.F., Mazzoleni P., Pezzino A., Russo L.G., Viccaro M. (2010). Technological study of "ghiara" mortars from the historical city centre of Catania (Eastern Sicily, Italy) and petro-chemical characterisation of raw materials. Environmental Earth Sciences, 61, 995-1003, doi:10.1007/s12665-009-0418-5.
  16. Ferlito C., Viccaro M., Nicotra E., Cristofolini R. (2010). Relationship between the flank sliding of the South East Crater (Mt. Etna, Italy) and the paroxysmal event of November 16, 2006. Bulletin of Volcanology, 72, 1179-1190, doi:10.1007/s00445-010-0384-5.
  17. Viccaro M., Nicotra E., Millar I.L., Cristofolini R. (2011). The magma source at Mount Etna volcano: perspectives from the Hf isotope composition of historic and recent lavas. Chemical Geology, 281, 343-351, doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.12.020.
  18. Nicotra E., Ferlito C., Viccaro M., Cristofolini R. (2011). Volcanic geology and petrology of the Val Calanna succession (Mt. Etna, Southern Italy): discovery of a new eruptive center. Periodico di Mineralogia, 80, 287-307, doi:10.2451/2011PM0021.
  19. Brancato A., Gresta S., Alparone S., Andronico D., Bonforte A., Caltabiano T, Cocina O., Corsaro R.A., Cristofolini R., Di Grazia G., Distefano G., Ferlito C., Gambino S., Giammanco S., Greco F., Napoli R., Sandri L., Selva J., Tusa G., Viccaro M. (2011). Application of BET_EF at Mount Etna: a retrospective analysis (years 2001-2005). Annals of Geophysics, 54, 5, 642-661, doi:10.4401/ag-5346.
  20. Ferlito C., Viccaro M., Nicotra E., Cristofolini R. (2012). Regimes of magma recharge and their control on the eruptive behaviour during the 2001-2005 period at Mt. Etna (Italy). Bulletin of Volcanology, 74, 533-543, doi:10.1007/s00445-011-0537-1.
  21. Viccaro M., Giuffrida M., Nicotra E., Ozerov A.Yu. (2012). Magma storage, ascent and recharge history prior to the 1991 eruption at Avachinsky Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia: inferences on the plumbing system geometry. Lithos, 140-141, 11-24, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2012.01.019.
  22. Brancato A., Gresta S., Sandri L., Selva J., Marzocchi W., Alparone S., Andronico D., Bonforte A., Caltabiano T., Cocina O., Corsaro R.A., Cristofolini R., Di Grazia G., Distefano G., Ferlito C., Gambino S., Giammanco S., Greco F., Napoli R., Tusa G., Viccaro M. (2012). Quantifying probabilities of eruption at a well-monitored active volcano: an application to Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy). Bollettino di Geofisica Teorica ed Applicata, 53, 55-74, doi:10.4430/bgta0040.
  23. Nicotra E., Viccaro M. (2012). Unusual magma storage conditions at Mt. Etna (Southern Italy) as evidenced by plagioclase megacryst-bearing lavas: implications for the plumbing system geometry and summit caldera collapse. Bulletin of Volcanology, 74, 795-815, doi:10.1007/s00445-011-0566-9.
  24. Nicotra E., Viccaro M. (2012). Transient uprise of gas and gas-rich magma batches fed the pulsating behaviour of the 2006 eruptive episodes at Mt. Etna volcano. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 227-228, 102-118, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2012.03.004.
  25. Mazziotti Tagliani S., Nicotra E., Viccaro M., Gianfagna A. (2012). Halogen-dominant mineralization at Mt. Calvario dome (Mt. Etna) as a response of volatile flushing into the magma plumbing system. Mineralogy and Petrology, 106, 89-105, doi:10.1007/s00710-012-0215-9.
  26. Wulf S., Keller J., Paterne M., Mingram J., Lauterbach S., Opitz S., Sottili G., Albert P., Satow C., Viccaro M., Brauer A. (2012). The 100-133 ka record of Italian explosive volcanism and revised tephrochronology of Lago Grande di Monticchio. Quaternary Science Reviews, 58, 104-123, doi:10.1016/j.quascirev.2012.10.020.
  27. Giacomoni P.P., Ferlito C., Alesci G., Coltorti M., Monaco C., Viccaro M., Cristofolini R. (2012). A common feeding system of the NE and S rifts as revealed by the bilateral 2002/2003 eruptive event at Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy). Bulletin of Volcanology, 74, 2415-2433, doi:10.1007/s00445-012-0672-3.
  28. Kahl M., Chakraborty S., Costa F., Pompilio M., Liuzzo M., Viccaro M. (2013). Compositionally zoned crystals and real-time degassing data reveal changes in magma transfer dynamics during the 2006 summit eruptive episodes of Mt. Etna. Bulletin of Volcanology, 75, art. 692, 14 pp., doi:10.1007/s00445-013-0692-7.
  29. Scordari F., Schingaro E., Ventruti G., Nicotra E., Viccaro M., Mazziotti Tagliani S. (2013). Fluorophlogopite from Piano delle Concazze (Mt. Etna, Italy): crystal chemistry and implications for the crystallization conditions. American Mineralogist, 98, 1017-1025, doi:10.2138/am.2013.4225.
  30. Barone P.M., Mattei E., Proietti C., Pettinelli E., Ferrara C., Lauro S.E., Viccaro M. (2013). Ground Penetrating Radar technique to investigate historic eruptions on the Mt. Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy). 7th International Workshop on Advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (IWAGPR), 219-224, doi:10.1109/IWAGPR.2013.6601549.
  31. Catalano S., Tortorici L., Viccaro M. (2014). Regional tectonic control on large size explosive eruptions: insights into the Green Tuff ignimbrite unit of Pantelleria. Journal of Geodynamics, 73, 23-33, doi:10.1016/j.jog.2013.10.008.
  32. Belfiore C.M., La Russa F.M., Barca D., Galli G., Pezzino A., Ruffolo S.A., Viccaro M., Fichera G.V. (2014). A trace element study for the provenance attribution of ceramic artefacts: the case of Dressel 1 amphorae from a late-Republican ship. Journal of Archaeological Science, 43, 91-104, doi:10.1016/j.jas.2013.12.015.
  33. Viccaro M., Garozzo I., Cannata A., Di Grazia G., Gresta S. (2014). Gas burst vs. gas-rich magma recharge: a multidisciplinary study to reveal factors controlling triggering of the recent paroxysmal eruptions at Mt. Etna. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 278-279, 1-13, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2014.04.001.
  34. Nicotra E., Viccaro M., De Rosa R., Sapienza M.S. (2014). Volcanological evolution of the Rivi-Capo Volcanic Complex at Salina, Aeolian Islands: magma storage processes and ascent dynamics. Bulletin of Volcanology, 76, article number 840, 24 pp., doi:10.1007/s00445-014-0840-8.
  35. Viccaro M., Calcagno R., Garozzo I., Giuffrida M., Nicotra E. (2015). Continuous magma recharge at Mt. Etna during the 2011 – 2013 period controls the style of volcanic activity and compositions of erupted lavas. Mineralogy and Petrology, 109, 67-83, doi:10.1007/s00710-014-0352-4.
  36. Viccaro M., Nicotra E., Urso S. (2015). Production of mildly alkaline basalts at complex ocean ridge settings: perspectives from basalts emitted during the 2010 eruption at the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland. Journal of Geodynamics, 91, 51-64, doi:10.1016/j.jog.2015.08.004.
  37. Viccaro M., Giuffrida M., Nicotra E., Cristofolini R. (2016). Timescales of magma storage and migration recorded by olivine crystals in basalts of the March-April 2010 eruption at Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland. American Mineralogist, 101, 222-230, doi:10.2138/am-2015-5365.
  38. Mandarano M., Paonita A., Martelli M., Viccaro M., Nicotra E., Millar I.L. (2016). Revealing magma degassing below closed-conduit active volcanoes: geochemical features of volcanic rocks versus fumarolic fluids at Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy). Lithos, 248-251, 272-287, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2016.01.026.
  39. Viccaro M., Barca D., Bohrson W.A., D’Oriano C., Giuffrida M., Nicotra E., Pitcher B.W. (2016). Crystal residence times from trace element zoning in plagioclase reveal changes in magma transfer dynamics at Mt. Etna during the last 400 years. Lithos, 248-251, 309-323, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2016.02.004.
  40. Viccaro M., Zuccarello F., Cannata A., Palano, M., Gresta S. (2016). How a complex basaltic volcanic system works: constraints from integrating seismic, geodetic, and petrological data at Mount Etna volcano during the July-August 2014 eruption. Journal of Geophysical Research – Solid Earth, 121, 5659-5678, doi:10.1002/2016JB013164.
  41. Vona A., Di Piazza A., Nicotra E., Romano C., Viccaro M., Giordano, G. (2017). The complex rheology of megacryst-rich magmas: the case of the mugearitic “cicirara” lavas of Mt. Etna volcano. Chemical Geology, 458, 48-67, doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2017.03.029.
  42. Kahl M., Viccaro M., Ubide T., Morgan D., Dingwell D.B. (2017). A branched magma feeder system during the 1669 eruption of Mt. Etna: evidence from a time-integrated study of zoned olivine phenocryst populations. Journal of Petrology, 58 (3), 443-472 doi:10.1093/petrology/egx022.
  43. Lauro S.E., Mattei E., Cosciotti B., Di Paolo F., Arcone S., Viccaro M., Pettinelli E. (2017). Electromagnetic signal penetration in a planetary soil simulant: estimated attenuation rates using GPR and TDR in volcanic deposits on Mount Etna. Journal of Geophysical Research – Planets, 122, 1392-1404, doi:10.1002/2016JE005192.
  44. Viccaro M., Zuccarello F. (2017). Mantle ingredients for making the fingerprint of Etna alkaline magmas: implications for shallow partial melting within the complex geodynamic framework of Eastern Sicily. Journal of Geodynamics, 109, 10-23, doi:10.1016/j.jog.2017.06.002.
  45. Giuffrida M., Viccaro M. (2017). Three years (2011-2013) of eruptive activity at Mt. Etna: working modes and timescales of the modern volcano plumbing system from micro-analytical studies of crystals. Earth-Science Reviews, 171, 289-322, doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2017.06.003.
  46. Palano M., Viccaro M., Zuccarello F., Gresta S. (2017). Magma transport and storage at Mt. Etna (Italy): a review of geodetic and petrological data for the 2002-03, 2004 and 2006 eruptions. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 347, 149-164, doi: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2017.09.009.
  47. Giuffrida M., Holtz F., Vetere F., Viccaro M. (2017). Effects of CO2 flushing on crystal textures and compositions: experimental evidence from recent K-trachybasalts erupted at Mt. Etna. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 172, article number 90, 18 pp., doi:10.1007/s00410-017-1408-3.
  48. Giuffrida M., Viccaro M., Ottolini L. (2018). Ultrafast syn-eruptive degassing and ascent trigger high-energy basic eruptions. Scientific Reports, 8, article number 147, doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18580-8.
  49. Cannata A., Di Grazia G., Giuffrida M., Gresta S., Palano M., Sciotto M., Viccaro M., Zuccarello F. (2018). Space-time evolution of magma storage and transfer at Mt. Etna volcano (Italy): the 2015-2016 reawakening of Voragine crater. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 19 (2), 471-495, doi:10.1002/2017GC007296.
  50. Viccaro M. (2018). Doped bentonitic grouts for implementing performances of low-enthalpy geothermal systems. Geothermal Energy, 6, article number 4, doi:10.1186/s40517-018-0090-7.
  51. Nicotra E., Giuffrida M., Viccaro M., Donato P., D’Oriano C., Paonita A., De Rosa R. (2018). Timescales of pre-eruptive magmatic processes at Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) during the last 1000 years. Lithos, 316-317, 347-365, doi:10.1016/j.lithos.2018.07.028.
  52. Viccaro M., Giuffrida M., Zuccarello F., Scandura M., Palano M., Gresta S. (2019). Violent paroxysmal activity drives self-feeding magma replenishment at Mt. Etna. Scientific Reports, 9, 6717, doi:10.1038/s41598-019-43211-9.
  53. Cintorrino A.A., Palano M., Viccaro M. (2019). Magmatic and tectonic sources at Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Southern Italy): a geodetic model based on two decades of GPS observations. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 388, article 106689, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2019.106689.
  54. Panzera F., D’Amico S., Colica E., Viccaro M. (2019). Ambient vibration measurements to support morphometric analysis of a pyroclastic cone. Bulletin of Volcanology, 81, article number 74, doi:10.1007/s00445-019-1338-1.
  55. Floridia G., Viccaro M. (2019). Geological field investigation for the assessment of the low-grade geothermal resources from volcanic terrains of the Island of Salina (Aeolian Islands, Italy). 3rd International Geothermal Conference GEOHEAT2019. In: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 367, 012007, doi:10.1088/1755-1315/367/1/012007.
  56. Giuffrida M., Nicotra E., Viccaro M. (2020). Changing modes and rates of mafic magma supply at Pantelleria (Sicily Channel, Southern Italy): new perspectives on the volcano factory drawn upon olivine records. Journal of Petrology, 61 (5), egaa051, doi:10.1093/petrology/egaa051.
  57. Belfiore C.M., Amato C., Pezzino A., Viccaro M. (2020). An end of waste alternative for volcanic ash: a resource in the manufacture of ceramic tiles. Construction and Building Materials, 263, 120118, doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120118.
  58. Nádudvari A., Maniscalco R., Abramowicz A., Viccaro M. (2020). The estimation of lava flow temperatures using Landsat night-time images: case studies from eruptions of Mt. Etna and Stromboli (Sicily, Italy), Kīlauea (Hawaii Island), Eyjafjallajökull and Holuhraun (Iceland). Remote Sensing, 12, 2537, doi:10.3390/rs12162537.
  59. Borzì A.M., Giuffrida M., Zuccarello F., Palano M., Viccaro M. (2020). The Christmas 2018 eruption at Mt. Etna: enlightening how the volcano factory works through a multi-parametric inspection. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, 21 (10), e2020GC009226, doi:10.1029/2020GC009226.
  60. Floridia G., Blandini F., Iuculano S., Belfiore G.M., Viccaro M. (2021). Innovative solutions for improving the heat exchange in closed-loop shallow geothermal systems. Energies, 14 (1), 108, doi:10.3390/en14010108.
  61. Viccaro M., Cannata A., Cannavò F., De Rosa R., Giuffrida M., Nicotra E., Petrelli M., Sacco G. (2021). Shallow conduit dynamics fuel the unexpected paroxysms of Stromboli volcano during the summer 2019. Scientific Reports, 11, 266, doi:10.1038/s41598-020-79558-7.
  62. Zuccarello F., Schiavi F., Viccaro M. (2021). Magma dehydration controls the energy of recent eruptions at Mt. Etna volcano. Terra Nova, 33 (4), 423-429, doi:10.1111/ter.12527.
  63. Giuffrida G., Scandura M., Costa G., Zuccarello F., Sciotto M., Cannata A., Viccaro M. (2021). Tracking the summit activity of Mt. Etna volcano between July 2019 and January 2020 by integrating petrological and geophysical data. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 418, article 107350, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2021.107350.
  64. Nicotra E., Viccaro M., Donato P., Acocella V., De Rosa R. (2021). Catching the Main Ethiopian Rift evolving towards plate divergence. Scientific Reports, 11, 21821, doi:10.1038/s41598-021-01259-6.
  65. Floridia G., Urso S., Belfiore G.M., Viccaro M. (2022). Thermal and mechanical improvement of filling mixture for shallow geothermal systems by recycling of Carbon fiber waste. Energies, 15, 5806, doi:10.3390/en15165806.
  66. Zuccarello F., Schiavi F., Viccaro M. (2022). The eruption run-up at Mt. Etna volcano: constraining magma decompression rates and their relationships with the final eruptive energy. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 597, 117821, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2022.117821.
  67. Floridia G., Cacace M., Scheck-Wenderoth M., Bott J., Viccaro M. (2022). 3D thermal model of Sicily (Southern Italy) and perspectives for new exploration campaigns for geothermal resources. Global and Planetary Change, 218, 103976, doi:10.1016/j.gloplacha.2022.103976.
  68. Maffezzoli N., Cook E., van der Bilt W.G.M., Støren E.N., Festi D., Muthreich F., Seddon A.W.R., Burgay F., Baccolo G., Mygind A.R.F., Petersen T., Spolaor A., Vascon S., Pelillo M., Ferretti P., dos Reis R.S., Simões J.C., Ronen Y., Delmonte B., Viccaro M., Steffensen J.P., Dahl-Jensen D., Nisancioglu K.H., Barbante C. (2023). Detection of ice core particles via deep neural networks. The Cryosphere 17, 539-565, doi:10.5194/tc-17-539-2023.
  69. Visalli R., Giuffrida M., Viccaro M. (2023). Unraveling textural and chemical features in volcanic rocks through advanced image processing: a case study from the 2019 paroxysmal eruptions of Stromboli. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 24 (3), e2022GC010774, doi:10.1029/2022GC010774.
  70. Costa G., Mereu L., Prestifilippo M., Scollo S., Viccaro M. (2023). Modeling the trajectories of ballistics in the summit area of Mt. Etna (Italy) during the 2020-2022 sequence of lava fountains. Geosciences, 13 (5), 145, doi:10.3390/geosciences13050145.
  71. Branca S., Cinquegrani A., Cioni R., Conte A.M., Conticelli S., De Astis G., de Vita S., De Rosa R., Di Vito M.A., Donato P., Forni F., Francalanci L., Gaeta M., Giaccio B., Giordano G., Giuffrida M., Isaia R., Lucchi F., Marra F., Massaro S., Nicotra E., Palladino D., Perinelli C., Petrosino P., Pistolesi M., Sepulveda‐Birke J.P., Sottili G., Romagnoli C., Rotolo S., Sulpizio R., Tranne C.A., Viccaro M. (2023). The Italian Quaternary volcanism. Alpine and Mediterranean Quaternary, 36 (2), 221-284, doi:10.26382/AMQ.2023.09.
  72. Giuffrida M., Cardone M., Zuccarello F., Viccaro M. (2023). Etna 2011-2022: discoveries from a decade of activity at the volcano. Earth-Science Reviews, 245, 104563, doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2023.104563.
  73. Takach M., Bohrson W., Spera F., Viccaro M. (2024). The role of crustal contamination throughout the 1329–2005 CE eruptive record of Mt. Etna volcano, Italy. Journal of Petrology, 65, egae028, doi:10.1093/petrology/egae028.
  74. Cardone M., Cannata A., Giuffrida M., Iozzia A., Minio V., Viccaro M., Gambino S. (2024). Changing magma recharge/discharge dynamics during the 2020-22 lava fountaining activity at Mt. Etna revealed by tilt deformation and volcanic tremor. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 449, 108074, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2024.108074.
  75. Giuffrida M., Nicotra E., Viccaro M. (2024). How an embryonic magma feeding system evolves: insights from the primordial pulses of Mt. Etna volcano. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 451, 108113, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2024.108113.
  76. Giuffrida M., Salerno G.G., Viccaro M. (2025). Multiple magma recharges over prolonged period ultimately trigger eruptions at Vulcano, Aeolian Islands. Scientific Reports, 15, 1260, doi:10.1038/s41598-025-85496-z.
  77. Visalli R., Giuffrida M., Cardone M., Costa G., Ortolano G., Viccaro M. (2025). Image-assisted textural analysis of plagioclase crystals from volcanic rocks of the 2021 eruption of Pacaya volcano, Guatemala. Frontiers in Earth Science, 13, 1527797, doi:10.3389/feart.2025.1527797.
  78. Giuffrida M., Floridia G., Cacace M., Viccaro M. (2025). Thermal model of the Pantelleria island (Sicily Channel, Southern Italy): new insights for promoting the sustainable exploitation of geothermal resources on the island. Geothermal Energy, 13, 14, doi:10.1186/s40517-025-00340-x.
  79. Marini L., Vespasiano G., De Rosa R., Viccaro M., Principe C., Bloise A., Fuoco I., Lelli M., La Russa M., Caruso C.G., Gattuso A., Lazzaro G., Longo M., Guido A., Muto F., Russo L., Ciniglia F., Tsegaye A.A., Apollaro C. (2025). The geothermal resources of Vulcano Island (Aeolian Archipelago, Italy). Renewable Energy, 253, 123622, doi:10.1016/j.renene.2025.123622.
  80. Giuffrida M., Viccaro M. (2025). En-route formation of silica-undersaturated magmas through interaction at shallow crustal levels: insights from nephelinites of the Hyblean Plateau, Southern Italy. Bollettino dell’Accademia Gioenia di Catania, 58 (389), 135-161, doi:10.35352/gioenia.v58i389.134.

Chapters in books (Total 4)

  1. Viccaro M. (2018). I distretti vulcanici siciliani. In: Guide Geologiche Regionali, Sicilia e isole minori, 13, vol. 1, pp. 35-41, Eds. Carbone S., Di Stefano P., Monaco C., Sulli A., Società Geologica Italiana, Roma.
  2. Viccaro M. (2018). Risorse geotermiche. In: Guide Geologiche Regionali, Sicilia e isole minori, 13, vol. 1, pp. 68-69, Eds. Carbone S., Di Stefano P., Monaco C., Sulli A., Società Geologica Italiana, Roma.
  3. Nicotra E., Viccaro M. (2019). Le Isole Eolie: un museo a cielo aperto. In: Guide Geologiche Regionali, Sicilia e isole minori, 13, vol. 2, pp. 123-145, Eds. Carbone S., Di Stefano P., Monaco C., Sulli A., Società Geologica Italiana, Roma.
  4. Viccaro M. (2022). Quando si risvegliano i vulcani. Libro dell’anno 2022, Treccani, pp. 440-443.

Articles on other journals (Total 3)

  1. Viccaro M. (2007). Genesis, differentiation and eruptive dynamics of Mt. Etna magmas. Plinius, 33, 239-246.
  2. Costa G., Viccaro M. (2021). Etna inquieta. Geologicamente, 5, 73.
  3. Floridia G., Giuffrida M., Viccaro M. (2024). Sicilia, terra promessa della Geotermia. Geologicamente, 14, 26-35.

Abstracts and conference proceedings (Total 215)

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VIEW COURSES FROM A.Y. 2022/2023 TO PRESENT

BIBLIOMETRIC INDEXES (Data integrated from SCOPUS, WoS and Google Scholar at October 3, 2025)

  • Publications on indexed journals = 80
  • H-index = 30
  • i10 index = 60
  • Citations = 2447

MAIN RESEARCH INTERESTS

Magma differentiation and ascent processes, timescales of magmatic processes, field volcanology (stratigraphy and tectonics), degassing at active volcanoes, basaltic explosive volcanism, volcanic hazards, magma genesis, metasomatic processes into the mantle, chemical-physical reactions in rocks (geothermal resources and abiotic origin of hydrocarbons), volcanic rocks used in Cultural Heritage.

FIELD EXPERIENCE AND SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITIONS

Chile: Antuco, Calbuco, Descabezado Grande, Laguna del Maule Volcanic Complex, Osorno, Quizapu; Japan: Sakurajima; Greece: Nisyros, Santorini; Guatemala: Acatenango, Fuego, Pacaya; Iceland: Askja, Bardarbunga, Eldfel, Eldgjà, Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, Holuhraun, Krafla, Laki, Orefajokull, Reykjanes volcanic systems, Torfajökull; Italy: Etna, Iblei, Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Stromboli, Pantelleria, Campi Flegrei, Vesuvio, Ischia; Russia (Kamchatka): Avachinsky, Koryaksky, Plotsky Tolbachik, Uzon Caldera; Spain (Canary Islands): Teide (Tenerife), Timanfaya (Lanzarote), Cumbre Vieja (La Palma); United States of America: Yellowstone.

THIRD MISSION

  • Proponent and Legal Representative (CEO) for the Company EarTherm LTD, Spin-Off of the University of Catania, with legal headquarters in Via Giorgio Arcoleo 4/B, I-95030 Gravina di Catania (CT), VAT: 05323440874. EarTherm LTD corporate purpose: 1) R&D, consulting and technology transfer aimed to achieve physical, chemical, textural and structural characterization of the most suitable sites for exploitation of renewable energy (geothermal resources, petrological and petrophysical characterization of lithologies, geochemistry of geothermal fluids, subsoil and ground characterization aimed to the optimization of capture systems and the better exploitation of geothermal energy); 2) design, realization, management and maintenance of systems using geothermal energy, also in combination with other forms of renewable energy; 3) scientific education and dissemination through the organization of congresses, seminars, schools and courses.