A Supervolcano is Waking Up
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The Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei), a vast supervolcano near Naples, Italy, is exhibiting heightened activity, marked by significant seismic swarms and ground deformation, which have alarmed scientists and residents. As reported by Live Science, the volcano experienced its most intense seismic event in four decades in May 2024, with 150 earthquakes in just five hours, prompting close monitoring by experts to assess the potential risks to the densely populated region.
Recent Seismic Swarms
The Phlegraean Fields have experienced a significant increase in seismic activity, with recent swarms of earthquakes raising concerns about the volcano's awakening. On May 20, 2024, the area was rocked by its most intense seismic event in four decades, with 150 earthquakes occurring in just 5 hours
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. This unprecedented surge in seismic activity has prompted scientists to closely monitor the volcano's behavior. The earthquakes, while mostly of low magnitude, serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the Phlegraean Fields and the potential risks they pose to the surrounding densely populated region. Experts from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology are analyzing these seismic patterns to better understand the underlying magmatic processes and assess the likelihood of future eruptions2
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.3 sources
Pozzuoli's Rising Ground
Recent analysis of ground deformation in Pozzuoli reveals a complex and evolving situation. Since 2007, the area has experienced progressive uplift, with the Rione Terra district of Pozzuoli rising approximately 1.3 meters
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. This deformation is primarily driven by magma ascent from depths of 8 km to shallower levels, with the source of deformation becoming increasingly superficial over time, moving from about 6 km to 4 km deep1
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The ground at Pozzuoli is particularly susceptible to deformation due to the rheological properties of the Campi Flegrei caldera deposits, making it much easier to deform than other volcanic areas2
. This heightened sensitivity to magmatic movements has led to an acceleration of ground deformation rates in recent weeks, with two discrete, rapid uplift events resulting in a cumulative vertical displacement exceeding 15 millimeters3
. While concerning, these current uplift rates remain below the maximum values recorded during the significant uplift events of the 1980s3
. Continuous monitoring of these deformations is crucial for assessing potential risks and understanding the evolving dynamics of the Campi Flegrei volcanic system.3 sources
Solfatara's Gaseous Output
The Solfatara crater, a key feature of the Phlegraean Fields, has become a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, emitting 4,000-5,000 tons of CO2 daily since 2005
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. This volume is equivalent to burning approximately 500,000 gallons of gasoline, placing the Phlegraean Fields among the world's top eight volcanic CO2 emitters1
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. Recent research has revealed that these emissions have multiple sources:
- 60-80% originates from underground magma
- 20-40% comes from the dissolution of calcite in surrounding rocks12
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. Monitoring of these emissions provides crucial insights into the volcano's internal dynamics and potential future activity3
. The Fangaia mud pool within Solfatara serves as a "window" into the hydrothermal system, offering valuable data on gas composition and flux variations4
.4 sources
Vigilant Volcano Watch
The Phlegraean Fields are under constant surveillance by a sophisticated monitoring system managed by the INGV - Vesuvius Observatory. This system tracks seismicity, ground deformation, and fumarole characteristics through a network of seismic, geodetic, and geochemical stations distributed throughout the area
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. The monitoring efforts are further enhanced by satellite observations from the CNR-National Research Council's Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA)1
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Key aspects of the monitoring system include:
- 24/7 active operations room overseeing all monitoring stations3
- Continuous data collection and analysis by automatic systems and INGV-OV staff3
- Monthly videoconferences to assess volcanic activity status and alert levels1
- Creation of summary maps describing ground deformations in the Phlegraean caldera3
- Thermal monitoring using drones equipped with thermal imaging devices4
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. The data collected is crucial for evaluating potential risks and informing civil protection measures, including the IT-alert warning system activated for imminent eruptive activity5
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Related
What are the main indicators of an impending eruption at Phlegraean Fields
How often do the monthly videoconferences occur to assess volcanic activity
What specific parameters are monitored by the INGV-Vesuvius Observatory
How does the satellite monitoring by IREA contribute to the overall assessment
What are the potential risks associated with pyroclastic flows in the area
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