In the area of Campi Flegrei, new earthquakes Concerns and questions are growing about a possible volcano eruption. To fully understand how serious the situation is, it is very important to know this well volcanic zone, its unique characteristics and, above all, understand what the recent events.
What are the Campi Flegrei
Located in gulf of Pozzuoli, the Campi Flegrei represent a depression volcanic far-reaching, with a diameter of about 12 km. This area, dotted with various volcanic craters, extends from the hill of Posillipo to Monte di Procida. It is identified as one boiler, a basin originated as a result of two massive collapses of the magma reservoirs occurred respectively 39.000 and 15.000 years ago, witnessing the two most important eruptions of this volcano.
Campi Flegrei, which are the areas at risk
La red zone indicates the area where, in case of emergency, the only option is preventive evacuation to protect the inhabitants from the risk of pyroclastic flows, extremely dangerous due to their temperatures and speeds. This zone entirely includes the municipalities Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Monte di Procida and Quarto, in full; part of the Municipalities of Giugliano in Campania, of Marano di Napoli and some municipalities of the Municipality of Naples.
La yellow zone, outside the red zone, is exposed to potential volcanic ash fall. In the event of an eruption, it may be necessary to temporarily evacuate those living in structures vulnerable to ash accumulation. This area incorporates several municipalities and neighborhoods of Napoli, with a population of over 800 thousand people.
What can happen in case of an eruption?
The volcanic activity of Campi Flegrei has historically been dominated by explosive eruptions. Future projections indicate a possible continuation of these events, the civil protection site has listed the possible manifestations:
- Formation of an eruptive column: composed of gas, incandescent lava shreds and ashes, it can reach a height of tens of kilometres.
- Fall of volcanic material: it includes large-sized debris deposited in the area close to the eruptive vent and ash and lapilli which, carried by the wind, can extend up to tens of kilometers away.
- Generation of pyroclastic flows: avalanches composed of gases, ash and volcanic fragments at high temperature and speed, capable of advancing for several kilometers and exceeding the contours of the caldera.
- Ground explosions: they occur in areas with intense hydrothermal activity, such as the Solfatara/Pisciarelli region. They can also occur before the onset of a rash.
- Mudflows: created by the combination of volcanic ash and water, they can form both in conjunction with the eruption, due to the rains, and after some time after the volcanic event.
Because there are more earthquakes lately
In recent years, the area of Campi Flegrei showed signs of increasing seismic activity. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to soil deformation and to the movement of fluids, as magma e volcanic gas, about 3 km deep underground. These fluids, infiltrating the fractures of the rock, act like a sponge, causing the deformation and generating microearthquakes, of which over 600 have been registered lately.
Can Campi Flegrei erupt? Forecasts
According to recent research conducted by theUniversity College London and by 'National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), deformation growing of the rocks of the Campi Flegrei suggests an approaching breaking point. This fragility could culminate in the creation of fractures, potentially facilitating an eruption.
But, although the rocks show signs of near failure, an eruption is by no means a given. It is essential that the magma is in the correct position to trigger this phenomenon. Studies are currently aimed at evaluating the probability of an imminent eruption, even if the uncertainty remains. As pointed out by Stefano Carlino ofVesuvius Observatory (INGV), it is essential to be prepared at any eventuality.
More information on the site risks.protezionecivile.gov.it
