Rumblings of Campi Flegrei: Europe on alert for supervolcano
The supervolcano Campi Flegrei in Italy has begun to show activity. Residents of the Naples and Pozzuoli areas experienced the tremors. However, its effects could be felt across Europe if an eruption occurs.
What do you need to know?
- Campi Flegrei supervolcano, near Naples, Italy, is exhibiting signs of activity and raising concerns about a possible eruption.
- Earth tremors in the Naples and Pozzuoli area have caused panic among residents, with repercussions felt throughout the region.
- According to the portal, which references a Nature Communications Earth & Environment publication, volcanic ash may disperse across Europe, which could have serious consequences.
What are the signs of an impending eruption?
On the night of March 12th to 13th, a strong 4.4-magnitude tremor occurred in the Campi Flegrei supervolcano caldera. This tremor damaged Naples and Pozzuoli, prompting residents to leave their homes in panic. In the Bagnoli district, plaster parts fell off buildings, and one person was injured.
Is evacuation possible?
The area around Naples, home to over 1.5 million people, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of an eruption. Dense development and narrow streets make evacuation quite challenging for authorities, creating significant concerns for residents who constantly fear a potential disaster.
What are the potential effects of an eruption?
Scientists from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology warn that the pressure in the volcano's magma chamber is more than ten times higher than the critical threshold. An eruption could propel ash several kilometres into the atmosphere, spreading across Europe.
Will history repeat itself?
The Campi Flegrei supervolcano has a long history of catastrophic eruptions that have impacted climate and life in Europe. The last activity was recorded in 1538, and scientists are concerned about the possibility of another eruption soon. Research suggests that the volcano erupts every 10,000 to 15,000 years, indicating that we might be approaching another event. Scientists issued warnings about this possibility as early as 2018.
