Tectonic setting of the carbonatite-melilitite association of Italy

In this paper the bate Pleistocene carbonatite-melilitite association (CMA) of Italy is evaluated in terms of the Plio-Quaternary extensional structur es in the crust and mantle lithosphere. In particular, we briefly discuss t he geometry and stress field of the host geological structures, the tectoni c control on the eruptive style, the thickness and composition of the litho sphere. Some implications for a passive lift geodynamic environment are als o considered.