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We present a high resolution paleomagnetic and rock magnetic study of two cores, MS06 and MS06-SW (6.7 and 1.1 m long, respectively) collected in the Augusta Bay shelf (Eastern Sicily, Ionian Sea, Italy) about 2.3 km from the coastline at 72 m depth. Geophysical surveying carried out in the sampling area highlighted the presence of a transparent homogeneous sedimentary sequence, likely deposited after the Last Glacial Maximum, not affected by anthropogenic disturbances, despite the intense industrial activities along the adjacent shore. The MS-06 cores penetrated a monotonous mud sedimentary sequence, interrupted at~ 3 m below the top by a 3-4 cm thick volcanic sandy layer that, according to petrochemical analyses, was correlated with the tephra fallout deposit produced by the 122 BC plinian eruption of Mt. Etna. This tephra along with radiocarbon dating of 9 marine shells and with radioactive tracers …