From volcanic to earthquake, from Earth to planets....

I'm a researcher specialized in different topics of the Earth Sciences. I use a multidisciplinary approach integrating field works and laboratory analyses. Since my PhD studies, I acquired skills in the use of paleomagnetic techniques to better understand volcanic, sedimentary and tectonic processes. Parallel to this experience in volcanic field, I have developed a research line in tectonics and structural geology, working on Quaternary basins and seismically active areas of the central and southern Apennines. I spent my academic years in several Universities and research institutions, such as the University of Roma Tre, University of Bologna, Universidade dos Açores, Instituto Dom Luiz de Lisboa, INGV of L'Aquila and University of Perugia. I worked in several Countries such as Portugal, Iceland, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Arizona, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Switzerland, UK.At moment, I'm a Researcher at the Department of Physics and Geology of the University of Perugia. Here, I'm teaching Petroleum Geology for Master students. At the same time, I'm involved in a research program on Planetary Geology in the framework of the agreement between the University of Perugia and Italian Space Agency (ASI).

Editorial activity

The Use of Palaeomagnetism and Rock Magnetism to Understand Volcanic Processes

Edited by M. H. Ort, M. Porreca, J. W. Geissman

SP396, Special Publication of the Geological Society of London (2015)


Geology of the Cabo de Gata volcano-sedimentary basin

Edited by C. Soriano, M. Porreca, N. Riggs

Special Issue of the Italian Journal of Geosciences (2015)

Publications

Google scholar citations


Recent publications​

  1. Pisello A., De Angelis S., Ferrari M., Porreca M., Vetere F.P., De Sanctis M.C., Perugini D. (2021). Visible and Near-InfraRed (VNIR) reflectance of silicate glasses: characterization of a featureless spectrum and its implications for planetary geology. ICARUS, Vol. 374, 114801, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2021.114801

  2. Barchi M. R., Carboni F., Michele M., Ercoli M., Giorgetti C., Porreca M., ... & Chiaraluce, L. (2021). The influence of subsurface geology on the distribution of earthquakes during the 2016–2017 Central Italy seismic sequence. Tectonophysics, 228797, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2021.228797

  3. Cappuccio F., Porreca M., Omosanya K. O., Minelli G., Harishidayat D. (2021). Total organic carbon (TOC) enrichment and source rock evaluation of the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous rocks (Barents Sea) by means of geochemical and log data. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 1-12, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-020-01941-6

  4. Di Matteo L., Capoccioni A., Porreca M., Pauselli C. (2021). Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction in the Nera River Basin (Central Italy): New Insights after the 2016 Seismic Sequence. Hydrology, 8(3), 97, https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology8030097

  5. Bernardi M. S., Fontana M., Menafoglio A., Pisello A., Porreca M., Perugini D., Vantini S. (2021). Composition-on-Function Regression Model for the Remote Analysis of Near-Earth Asteroids. Preface XIX 1 Plenary Sessions, 801.

  6. Trippanera D., Porreca M., Kissel C., Winkler A., Sagnotti L., Nazzareni S., Acocella V. (2020) Interpreting inverse magnetic fabric in Miocene dikes from Eastern Iceland”, J. Geophys. Res. 125, 11.

  7. Di Matteo L., Dragoni W., Azzaro S., Pauselli C., Porreca M., Bellina G., Cardaci, W. (2020). Effects of earthquakes on the discharge of groundwater systems: The case of the 2016 seismic sequence in the Central Apennines, Italy. Journal of Hydrology, 583, 124509.

  8. Porreca M., Fabbrizzi, A., Azzaro, S., Pucci, S., Del Rio, L., Pierantoni, P. P., Roberts G., Barchi, M. R. (2020). 3D geological reconstruction of the M. Vettore seismogenic fault system (Central Apennines, Italy): Cross-cutting relationship with the M. Sibillini thrust. Journal of Structural Geology, 131, 103938.

  9. Di Giulio, G., Ercoli, M., Vassallo, M., Porreca M. (2020). Investigation of the Norcia basin (Central Italy) through ambient vibration measurements and geological surveys. Engineering Geology, 267, 105501.

  10. Laeger K., Petrelli M., Morgavi D., Lustrino M., Pimentel A., Paredes-Mariño J., Astbury R., Kueppers U., Porreca M., Perugini D. (2019). Pre-eruptive conditions and triggering mechanism of the~ 16 ka Santa Bárbara explosive eruption of Sete Cidades Volcano (São Miguel, Azores). Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 174:11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00410-019-1545-y.

  11. Porreca M., Pimentel A., U. Kueppers, T. Izquierdo, J. Pacheco, G. Queiroz. (2018). Event stratigraphy and emplacement mechanisms of the last major caldera eruption on Sete Cidades Volcano (São Miguel, Azores): the 16 ka Santa Bárbara Formation. Bull. Volc., 80: 76. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-018-1250-0

  12. Porreca M., Minelli, G., Ercoli, M., Brobia, A., Mancinelli, P., Cruciani, F. et al (2018). Seismic reflection profiles and subsurface geology of the area interested by the 2016‐2017 earthquake sequence (Central Italy). Tectonics, 37. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017TC004915

  13. Paredes-Mariño, J., Dobson, K. J., Ortenzi, G., Kueppers, U., Morgavi, D., Petrelli, M., Hess K-W., Laeger K., Porreca M., Pimentel A., Perugini, D. (2017). Enhancement of eruption explosivity by heterogeneous bubble nucleation triggered by magma mingling. Scientific reports, 7, 16897. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-17098-3

  14. Cruciani F., Barchi M., Koy H., Porreca M. (2017). Kinematic evolution of a regional-scale gravity-driven deepwater fold-and-thrust belt: The Lamu Basin case-history (East Africa). Tectonophysics, 712–713, 30–44, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2017.05.002

  15. Macrì P., Smedile A., Speranza F., Sagnotti L., Porreca M., Mochales T., Russo Ermolli E. (2016). Analysis of a 150m sediment core from the co-seismic subsidence depocenter of the 2009 Mw=6.1 L'Aquila earthquake (Italy): Implications for Holocene-Pleistocene tectonic subsidence rates and for the age of the seismogenic Paganica fault system. Tectonophysics, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2016.09.004.

  16. Porreca M. et al. (2016). LAqui-core: a 150 m deep hole in the area of maximum co-seismic subsidence observed by InSAR images during the 2009 Mw=6.1 L’Aquila earthquake. Italian Journal of Geosciences, doi: 10.3301/IJG.2015.37.


Other publications

  1. Pensa A., Cas R., Giordano G., Porreca M. (2015). Thermal state and implications for eruptive styles of the intra-Plinian and climactic ignimbrites of the 4.6 ka Fogo A eruption sequence, São Miguel, Azores. Bulletin of Volcanology, 77:99, doi:10.​1007/​s00445-015-0983-2.

  2. Pensa A., Cas R., Giordano G., Porreca M., Wallenstein N. (2015). Transition from steady to unsteady Plinian eruption column: the VEI 5, 4.6 ka Fogo A Plinian eruption, São Miguel, Azores. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 305, 1-18, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2015.09.012.

  3. Uehara D., Cas R., Folkes C., Takarada S., Oda H., Porreca M., (2015). Using thermal remanent magnetisation (TRM) to distinguish block and ash flow and debris flow deposits, and to estimate their emplacement temperature: 1991–1995 lava dome eruption at Mt. Unzen Volcano, Japan. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 303, 92-111, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2015.07.019.

  4. Pensa, A., Porreca M., Corrado, S., Giordano, G., Cas, R. (2015). Calibrating the pTRM and charcoal reflectance (Ro%) methods to determine the emplacement temperature of ignimbrites: Fogo A sequence, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, as a case study. Bulletin of Volcanology, 77(3), 18. doi:10.1007/s00445-015-0904-4

  5. Mattei M., Riggs N., Giordano G., Guarnieri L., Cifelli F., Soriano C., Jicha B., Jasim A., Marchionni S., Franciosi L., Tommasini S., Porreca M., Conticelli S. (2014). Geochronology, Geochemistry and Geodynamics of the Cabo de Gata volcanic zone, Southeastern Spain. Italian Journal of Geosciences, 133 (3), 341-361, doi: 10.3301/IJG.2014.44. ​

  6. Soriano C., Giordano G., Riggs N., Porreca M., Bonamico A., Iosimi D., Cifelli F., Mattei M., De Benedetti A., Guarnieri L., Marchionni S. (2014). Geologic map, volcanic stratigraphy and structure of the Cabo de Gata volcanic zone, Betic-Rif orogen, SE Spain. Italian Journal of Geosciences, 133 (3), 325-340, doi: 10.3301/IJG.2014.45.

  7. Ort M., Porreca M., Geissman J. (2014). Introduction to “The use of palaeomagnetism and rock magnetism to understand volcanic processes”. In: Ort, M. H., Porreca, M. & Geissman, J. W. (eds). The Use of Palaeomagnetism and Rock Magnetism to Understand Volcanic Processes. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 396 (online).

  8. Porreca M., Cifelli F., Soriano C., Giordano G., Mattei M., (2014). Magma flow within dykes in submarine hyaloclastite environments: an AMS study of the Miocene Cabo de Gata volcanic units. In: Ort, M. H., Porreca, M. & Geissman, J. W. (eds). The Use of Palaeomagnetism and Rock Magnetism to Understand Volcanic Processes. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 396, http://dx.doi.org/10.1144/SP396.14

  9. Di Chiara, A., Speranza, F., Porreca M., Pimentel, A., D’Ajello Caracciolo, F., Pacheco, J. (2014). Constraining chronology and time-space evolution of Holocene volcanic activity on the Capelo Peninsula (Faial Island, Azores): The paleomagnetic contribution. Geological Society of America Bulletin. doi:10.1130/B30933.1

  10. Porreca M., F. Cifelli, C. Soriano, G. Giordano, C. Romano, S. Conticelli, Mattei M. (2014). Hyaloclastite fragmentation below the glass transition: example from El Barronal submarine volcanic complex (Spain), Geology, v. 42, 1, 87–90, doi:10.1130/G34744.1.

  11. Trippanera D., Porreca M., Ruch J., Pimentel A., Acocella V., Pacheco J., Salvatore M. (2014). Relationships between tectonics and magmatism in transtensive/transform setting: an example from Faial Island (Azores, Portugal). Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 126, n. 1, 164–181, doi:10.1130/B30758.1.

  12. Soriano, C., Giordano, G., Cas, R., Riggs, N., Porreca, M. (2013). Facies architecture, emplacement mechanisms and eruption style of the submarine andesite El Barronal complex, Cabo de Gata, SE Spain. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 264, 210–222. doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.07.001

  13. Di Chiara A., Speranza F., Porreca M. (2012), Paleomagnetic secular variation at the Azores during the last 3 ka. Journal of Geophysical Research, 117, B07101, doi:10.1029/2012JB009285.

  14. Soriano C., Riggs N., Giordano G., Porreca M., Conticelli S. (2012). Cyclic growth and mass wasting of submarine Los Frailes lava flow and dome complex in Cabo de Gata, SE Spain. Journal of Volcanological and Geothermal Research, 231-232, 72-86, doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2012.04.015.

  15. Porreca M., Mattei M. (2012). AMS fabric and tectonic evolution of Quaternary intramontane extensional basins in the Picentini Mountains (southern Apennines, Italy). International Journal of Earth Sciences (Geol Rundsch), 101, 3, 863-877, doi:10.1007/s00531-011-0670-2.

  16. Cas R.A.F., Wright H.M.N., Folkes C.B., Lesti C., Porreca M., Giordano G., Viramonte J.G. (2011). The flow dynamics of an extremely large volume pyroclastic flow, the 2.08-Ma Cerro Galán Ignimbrite, NW Argentina, and comparison with other flow types. In: Cas RAF, Cashman K (eds) The Cerro Galán Ignimbrite and Caldera: characteristics and origins of a very large volume ignimbrite and its magma system. Bulletin of Volcanology, 73, 1583–1609, doi: 10.1007/s00445-011-0564-y.

  17. Lesti C., Porreca M., Giordano G., Mattei M., Cas R.A.F., Wright H., Viramonte J. (2011). High temperature emplacement of the Cerro Galán and Toconquis Group ignimbrites (Puna plateau, NW Argentina) determined by TRM analyses. In: Cas RAF, Cashman K (eds) The Cerro Galán Ignimbrite and Caldera: characteristics and origins of a very large volume ignimbrite and its magma system. Bulletin of Volcanology, 73, 1535–1565, doi: 10.1007/s00445-011-0536-2.

  18. Wright H.M.N., Lesti C., Cas R.A.F., Porreca M., Viramonte J.G., Folkes C.B., Giordano G. (2011). Columnar jointing in vapor phase altered, non welded Cerro Galan ignimbrite, Paycuqui, Argentina. In: Cas RAF, Cashman K (eds) The Cerro Galán Ignimbrite and Caldera: characteristics and origins of a very large volume ignimbrite and its magma system. Bulletin of Volcanology, 73, 1567–1582, doi: 10.1007/s00445-011-0524-6.

  19. Giordano G, De Benedetti A. A, Diana A, Diano G, Esposito A, Fabbri M, Gaudioso F, Marasco F, Mazzini I, Miceli M, Mincione V, Porreca M., Rodani S, Rosa C, Vinkler A.P, Caprilli E, Taviani S, Trigari A, Bilardello D, Malinconico S, Sabato Ceraldi T, Funiciello R, Mattei M, De Rita D, Parotto M, Cas R.A.F. (2010). Stratigraphy, volcano tectonics and evolution of the Colli Albani volcanic field. In: FUNICIELLO R., GIORDANO G. The Colli Albani Volcano. vol. 3, p. 43-97, Geological Society of London, ISBN/ISSN: 978-1-86239-307-3.

  20. Porreca M., Mattei M. (2010). Tectonic and environmental evolution of Quaternary intramontane basins in Southern Apennines (Italy): insights from palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic investigations. Geophysical Journal International, 182, 682-698, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2010.04661.x.

  21. Sadori L., Giardini M., Chiarini E., Mattei M., Papasodaro F., Porreca M. (2010). Pollen and macrofossil analyses of Pliocene lacustrine sediments (Salto river valley, Central Italy). Quaternary International, 225, 44-57, doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2009.05.008.

  22. Russo Ermolli E., Aucelli P., Di Rollo A., Mattei M., Petrosino P., Porreca M., Rosskopf C. (2010). An intergrated stratigraphical approach to the late Middle Pleistocene succession of the Sessano lacustrine basin (Molise, Italy). Quaternary International, Special Issue, 225, 114–127, doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2009.04.008.

  23. Porreca M., Mattei M., Di Vincenzo G. (2009). Post-deformational growth of late diagenetic greigite. Geophysical Research Letters, 36, L09307, doi:10.1029/2009GL037350.

  24. Cosentino D., Cipollari P., Di Bella L., Esposito A., Faranda C., Giordano G., Gliozzi E., Mattei M., Mazzini I., Porreca M., Funiciello F. (2009). Tectonics, sea-level changes and palaeoenvironments in the early Pleistocene of Rome (Italy). Quaternary Research, 72, 143–155, doi: 10.1016/j.yqres.2009.03.003.

  25. Giordano G., Porreca M. (2009). Field observations on the initial lava flow and the fracture system developed during the early days of the Stromboli 2007 eruption. Journal Volcanology and Geothermal Research, Special Issue on 2007 Stromboli eruption, doi:10.1016 /j.jvolgeores.2008.11.023.

  26. Filocamo F., Romano P., Di Donato V., Esposito P., Mattei M., Porreca M., Robustelli G., Russo Ermolli E. (2009). The Quaternary morphotectonic evolution of North Calabria Tyrrhenian coast (Italy): new chronostratigraphical constraints from the Fornaci S. Nicola succession. Geomorphology, 105, 334-354, doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2008.10.011.

  27. LaBerge R., Porreca M., Mattei M., Giordano G., Cas R. (2009). Meandering flow of a pyroclastic density current documented by the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) in the quartz latite ignimbrite of the Pleistocene Monte Cimino volcanic centre (central Italy). Tectonophysics, Spec. Issue, doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2008.09.009.

  28. Giordano G., Porreca M., Musacchio P., Mattei M. (2008). The Holocene Secche di Lazzaro phreatomagmatic succession (Stromboli, Italy): evidence of lateral blast deduced by facies analysis and AMS flow directions. Bulletin of Volcanology, 70, 1221–1236, doi: 10.1007/s00445-008-0198-x.

  29. Cifelli F., Mattei M., Porreca M. (2008). New paleomagnetic data from Oligocene-Upper Miocene sediments in the Rif chain (Northern Morocco): insights on the Neogene tectonic evolution of the Gibraltar arc. J. Geophys. Res., 113, doi: 10.1029/2007JB005271.

  30. Porreca M., Mattei M., MacNiocaill C., Giordano G., McClelland E., Funiciello R. (2008). Paleomagnetic evidences for low-temperature emplacement of the phreatomagmatic Peperino Albano ignimbrite (Colli Albani volcano, Central Italy). Bulletin of Volcanology, 70, 877-893, doi:10.1007/s00445-007-0176-8.

  31. Porreca M., Giordano G., Mattei M., Musacchio P. (2006). Evidence of two Holocene phreatomagmatic eruptions at Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands) from paleomagnetic data, Geophysical Research Letters, 33, L21316, doi:10.1029/2006GL027575.

  32. Mattei M., Cifelli F., Martín Rojas I., Crespo Blanc A., Comas M., Faccenna C., Porreca M. (2006). Neogene tectonic evolution of the Gibraltar Arc: new constrains from paleomagnetic results of the Betic chain. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 250, 522-540.

  33. Acocella V., Porreca M., Neri M., Mattei M., Funiciello R. (2006). Fissure eruptions at Mount Vesuvius (Italy): Insights on the shallow propagation of dikes at volcanoes. Geology, 34 (8) 673–676, doi:10.1029/2005GL025590.

  34. Billi A., Porreca M., Faccenna C., Mattei M. (2006). Magnetic and structural constraints for the non-cylindrical evolution of a continental forebulge (Hyblea, Italy). Tectonics, 25 (3) TC3011, doi:10.1029/2005TC001800.

  35. Porreca M., Acocella V., Massimi E., Mattei M., Funiciello R., De Benedetti A.A., (2006). Geometric and kinematic features of the dike complex at Mt. Somma, Vesuvio (Italy). Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 245, 389-407.

  36. Acocella, V. Porreca M., Neri M., Massimi E., Mattei M. (2006). Propagation of dikes at Vesuvio (Italy) and the effect of Mt. Somma. Geophysical Research Letters, 33, L08301.

  37. Porreca M., Mattei M., Giordano G., De Rita D., Funiciello R. (2003). Magnetic fabric and implications for pyroclastic flow and lahar emplacement, Albano maar, Italy. Journal of Geophysical Research, 108 (B5) 2264, doi:10.1029/2002JB002102.