Here we present a new volcanological map of the Southwestern portion of the Vesuvius volcano at a scale of 1:10,000. Mapped units were subdivided into Unconformity-Bounded Stratigraphic Units. This work constitutes a significant development with respect to previous maps, particularly for the medieval lavas. It also includes a series of volcanic–tectonic lineaments, which have never been reported in any of the previous cartographic works. Archeological and historical data were used for mapping the lava emitted during the last 2000 years. All the historical lava flow paths and tephra deposits of the last 4000 years that were reported on the map and evidence the intimate relationship between volcanological and morphological features, and the development of human activity on this very densely populated sector of the volcano.

The vast majority of extrusive carbonatites are calcitic rocks which may be confused with sedimentary limestones, thus requiring a disambiguation criterion. Extrusive carbonatites are classified based on quantitative criteria that tend to avoid genetic mechanisms. Carbonatite nomenclature is in progress but regulated by the International Union of Geological Sciences norm for igneous rocks. Carbonate sedimentary rock nomenclature is mainly regulated by the Dunham, Embry and Klovan, and Sibley and Gregg classification systems. These limit the description of rock types from various depositional mechanisms and makes comparison with sedimentary rocks difficult. Igneous and sedimentary carbonate rocks display no apparent differences in the field and at meso–micro-scale. They may be layered, massive crystalline or show discrete clasts in a matrix, which make both rock types resemble one another. The study analyses the situations in which classification inconsistencies are most common. Adopting these guidelines may increase confidence, reliability and value in the petrographic classification of igneous and sedimentary lithologies. This study poses a challenging target. Can igneous carbonate rocks be classified using the same approach that is used for sedimentary carbonate rocks and vice versa? So far, the scheme chosen has been arbitrary or limited to the aim of the study being undertaken. The authors start an unexperienced dialogue for the first time between volcanologists and sedimentologists by examining a range of sedimentary and volcaniclastic rock textures which may resemble each other.