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We document the tectonic and metamorphic evolution of thrust nappes of the eastern island of Elba. The area exposes a natural cross section of the Northern Apennines hinterland, from the metamorphic basement units to the overlying continent- and ocean-derived nappes. We integrated mapping, analysis of structures and microstructures, and the interpretation of drill core logs with lithostratigraphic, metamorphic, and geochronological constraints, producing a novel geological map of eastern Elba (1:5'000 scale). We show that the area experienced polyphase Oligocene - Pliocene contractional tectonics marked by in-sequence and out-of-sequence thrusting accompanied by folding and overprinted by faulting in the Pliocene. Magmatism occurred during contraction with post-magmatic thrusting ultimately coupling HP-LT and LP-HT units. Drill core logs allow for the first time the reconstruction of the N-dipping character of the Zuccale Fault, which represents the youngest (late Miocene - early Pliocene) large-scale structure in the area.

Geothermal systems in terrains affected by polyphase deformation have reservoirs with a 3D geometry that is always difficult to predict. In this paper we describe a fossil exhumed geothermal system exposed in eastern Elba Island that developed in a polyphase folded and faulted setting, which can help us to understand how geothermal fluids circulate in geological bodies with inherited structures. Geothermal circulation at Elba allowed the deposition of Fe-ore deposits (haematite/magnetite and pyrite) and altered rock volumes, which represent tracers of the palaeo-fluid flow. Normal and oblique-slip faults dissected a polyphase folded metasiliciclastic succession and produced a secondary permeability in the range of 5 × 10−13 to 5 × 10−16 m2. From the permeable fault zones acting as feeder conduits, geothermal fluids permeated the hydraulically connected metasiliciclastic rock bodies previously deformed by two generations of folds. Geothermal fluids followed the already defined geometry, thus giving rise to apparent folded mineralized levels. Fluid migration into the metasiliciclastic rocks was possible due to their chemical aggression, which favoured the dissolution and reprecipitation of quartz, and Fe-oxide and sulphide deposition. Renewed fluids maintained their chemical properties (pH value and temperature, mostly). This conclusion provides inputs for reconstructing geothermal conceptual models and evaluating the geothermal potentiality of exploitable areas developing in similar geological settings.

Multicoloured tourmalines from Elba Island, commonly display dark-coloured terminations due to incorporation of Fe, and also occasionally Mn. The mechanisms which led to the availability of these elements in the late-stage residual fluids are not yet completely understood. For this purpose, we investigated a representative tourmaline crystal found naturally in two fragments within a wide miarolitic cavity in the Rosina pegmatite (San Piero in Campo, Elba Island, Italy), and characterised by late-stage dark-coloured overgrowths. Microstructural and paragenetic observations, together with compositional and spectroscopic data (electron microprobe and optical absorption spectroscopy), provide evidence which shows that the formation of the dark-coloured Mn-rich overgrowths are the result of a pocket rupture. This event caused alteration of the cavity-coating spessartine garnet by highly-reactive late-stage cavity fluids by leaching processes, with the subsequent release of Mn to the residual fluids. We argue that the two fragments were originally a single crystal, which underwent natural breakage followed by the simultaneous growth of Mn-rich dark terminations at both breakage surfaces. This conclusion supports the evidence for a pocket rupture event, responsible for both the shattering of the tourmaline crystal and the compositional variation of the cavity-fluids related to the availability of Mn, which was incorporated by the tourmaline crystals. Additionally, a comparison of the dark overgrowths formed at the analogous and the antilogous poles, provides information on tourmaline crystallisation at the two different poles. The antilogous pole is characterised by a higher affinity for Ca, F and Ti, and a selective uptake of Mn2+, even in the presence of a considerable amount of Mn3+ in the system. This uneven uptake of Mn ions resulted in the yellow-orange colouration of the antilogous overgrowth (Mn2+ dependent) rather than the purple-reddish colour of the analogous overgrowths (Mn3+ dependent).

This paper presents a geomorphological analysis and landslide susceptibility assessment of the Valcarene drainage basin (Elba Island, Northern Tyrrhenian Sea). Morphometric analysis, geomorphological field mapping, and landslide susceptibility evaluation were carried out supported by literature data and GIS-based techniques. Field mapping was performed by students of the ‘Applied Geomorphological Field Survey & GIS' course (Master's Degree in Geological Sciences and Technologies of Earth and Planets - University ‘G. d'Annunzio’ of Chieti-Pescara). Landslide susceptibility was assessed using a heuristic approach. Eight landslide controlling parameters were weighted based on expert judgement and combined via cartographic overlay process, to produce the final five-level susceptibility map (from Very low to Very high). This study emphasizes the educational value of experiential learning in geo-hydrological hazards-oriented activities, equipping students with pratical methodologies. Moreover, it provides insights for local administrations and decision-makers for proper territorial planning, as well as a useful basis for further scientific studies and research.

We report detecting infectious Toscana virus in the seminal fluid of a 25-year-old man from Italy returning from Elba Island. The presence of infectious virus in human semen adds Toscana virus to the long list of viruses detected in this genital fluid and indicates a potential for sexual transmission.

Anthropogenic activities often lead to changes in the distribution and behavior of wild species. The mere presence of humans and free‐roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) can affect wildlife communities; however, responses to these disturbances might not be ubiquitous and may vary with local conditions. We investigated European pine marten's (Martes martes) distribution on Elba Island, Italy, where the species is the only wild carnivore. In this system, pine martens act as the top predator, and human presence is mostly driven by seasonal tourism. We evaluated (1) pine marten's occurrence in relation to vegetation type and elevation and the potential effects of proximity to settlements, (2) whether pine marten's distribution was associated with the co‐occurrence of humans and domestic cats, and, if so, (3) whether these co‐occurrence patterns were associated with proximity to anthropogenic infrastructures. Additionally, we explored similarities in activity patterns between pine marten and the other two species. We collected camera‐trap data at 77 locations throughout Elba Island in February–July 2020. Using single‐season multistate occupancy models, we found evidence that pine martens' occupancy was generally high across all vegetation types and elevation, and proximity to settlements was only weakly associated with the species occurrence. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence of an association between pine martens' distribution and the presence of either humans or free‐roaming domestic cats on Elba Island. Opposing activity patterns might have facilitated pine martens' co‐existence with humans, with pine martens being active at ground level almost exclusively during nighttime. On the contrary, cats and pine martens showed similar activity patterns, and further studies are needed to define the co‐existence mechanisms. These findings have important management implications and suggest that response to direct and indirect anthropogenic pressures can be highly context‐dependent and mediated by the availability of resources and competition mechanisms. We explored the co‐occurrence of pine marten, Martes martes, and humans and domestic cats on Elba Island, in the Mediterranean Sea. Pine marten occupancy was not affected by the occurrence of humans and domestic cats, despite their widespread presence. Opposite patterns of activity might explain the co‐occurrence of martens and humans, whereas more research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind the co‐occurrence of martens and cats.

Two tourmaline crystals with a blue growth zone at the analogous pole, respectively from the San Silvestro and the Fucili pegmatites, located in the San Piero in Campo village, Elba Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy), have been described for the first time using compositional and spectroscopic data to define their crystal-chemical aspects and the causes of the colour. Compositional data obtained by electron microprobe analysis indicate that both tourmalines belong to the elbaite-fluor-elbaite series. The upper part of each crystal is characterised by an increased amount of Fe (FeO up to ∼1 wt.%) and a Ti content below the detection limit. Optical absorption spectra recorded on the blue zone of both samples show absorption bands caused by spin-allowed d-d transitions in [6]-coordinated Fe2+, and no intervalence charge transfer Fe2+-Ti interactions, indicating that Fe2+ is the only chromophore. Mössbauer analysis of the blue zone of the Fucili sample confirmed the Fe2+ oxidation state, implying that the redox conditions in the crystallisation environment were relatively reducing. The presence of colour changes at the analogous termination during tourmaline crystal growth suggests a change in the composition of the crystallisation environment, probably associated with a partial opening of the system.

We present a very high-resolution bathy-morphological map of the offshore sector around the Scoglio d'Affrica islet (northern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). The study area covers a sector of 45 km 2 , between 3 and 85 m depth. Its central part, i.e. the apex of the Ridge, is characterised by a flat or gently sloping seafloor, where three mud volcanoes, and 250 pockmarks are recognised. Differently, the western and eastern Ridge flanks are steeper and characterised by 60 quasi-rectilinear escarpments and small ridges, more than 20 morphological highs, and elongated channels occasionally floored by bedforms. The seafloor shallower than 40 m is covered by Posidonia oceanica, forming compact and continuous or fragmented meadows intermingled with sandy patches. The main map represents the bathy-morphological setting of the area, which is largely affected by fluid seepage, providing insights for habitat mapping and preliminary marine geohazard assessment due to the violent gas outburst from mud volcanoes.