Supervolcano threat: Campi Flegrei stirs, Europe on alert
The supervolcano Campi Flegrei in Italy has begun to show activity. Residents of the Naples and Pozzuoli areas felt the tremors. However, if an eruption occurs, the effects of this phenomenon may be felt across Europe.
What do you need to know?
- The Campi Flegrei supervolcano, located near Naples, Italy, is showing signs of activity and raising concerns about a possible eruption.
- Earth tremors in the Naples and Pozzuoli area have caused panic among residents, and their effects are felt throughout the region.
- Referencing a publication by Nature's Communications Earth & Environment, Volcanic ash may spread throughout Europe, which could have serious consequences.
What are the signs of an impending eruption?
On the night of March 12 to 13, a strong 4.4-magnitude tremor occurred in the Campi Flegrei supervolcano caldera. This tremor caused damage in Naples and Pozzuoli, where residents left their homes in panic. Plaster parts fell off buildings in the Bagnoli district, and one person was injured.
Is evacuation possible?
The area around Naples, home to over 1.5 million people, is particularly vulnerable to an eruption's effects. Dense development and narrow streets complicate evacuation, posing a serious challenge for authorities. Residents live in constant fear of 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 10 times higher than the critical threshold. An eruption could send ash several miles into the air, causing it to spread 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 occurred in 1538, and scientists fear another eruption might happen soon. Research indicates the volcano erupted every 10,000-15,000 years, suggesting we are on the brink of another disaster. Scientists warned of this as early as 2018.
