I have a strong interest in volcanic processes which reflect deep mechanisms of propagation and evolution of mafic and ultramafic magmas. My approach is based on various methods, i.e. volcanology, geochemistry and structural geology.
     I spent my doctorate years studying the geodynamic significance of the Pleistocene volcanism in Italy. I believe that the opening of the Tyrrhenian Sea is related to an intracontinental rifting. For this reason, I was not surprised when I discovered several carbonatite occurrences in Italy.
     I am now very keen on carbonatite studies and their volcanic and sub-volcanic behaviour. Research programs relating to my current interests are:
   
    Co-investigators: 
1 Italian carbonatites and associate alkaline rocks: volcanic and petrologic features. www.nhm.ac.uk/.../italy/pages/rita6.html
 

A.R. Woolley (Natural History Museum, London),
A. Cundari (University Federico II, Napoli),
R.H.Mitchell (Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario),
V.V. Sharygin (Inst. Min. Petr., Novosibirsk),
M. Barbieri and F. Castorina (La Sapienza, Rome),
C. Principe and M. Laurenzi (CNR-IGGI, Pisa).
2 Pleistocene volcanic zonation in Italy and its relationships with the tectonic evolution of the Tyrrhenian Sea. G.Lavecchia (University G.d'Annunzio, Chieti),
F. Brozzetti and P. Boncio (U.d'A., Chieti)
3 Mantle breccias and mechanism of diatremic propagation: models, precursors and volcanism. A.P.Jones (University College, London),
T.Kostoula (University College, London),
Frances Wall (NHM, London), A.R. Woolley (NHM, London),
G.Rosatelli (University College, London),
C.Principe (CNR-IGGI, Pisa).
4 Volcanology and petrology of Uganda and Kenya melilitites and carbonatites. A.R. Woolley (Natural History Museum, London),
F. Lloyd (Reading University),
N.G.Eby (University of Massachussets, Lowell)
5 Lamprophyres of Italy: ciclyng, geneses and source

K. Bell (Carleton University)

F. Castorina (La Sapienza, Roma)

G. Vichi (U.d'A.)

G. Rosatelli (U.d'A.)

5 Programs of conservation and education directed to volcanic materials and areas.:

S. Agostini (Sopraindendenza  Archeologica, Chieti)

S. Sforna (San Venanzo Volcanological Museum)

M. Candeloro (La Sapienza, Roma)