Campi Flegrei: Tremors Rattle Naples, Reviving Fears of the Supervolcano
A magnitude 3.4 earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei volcanic area near Naples on Friday morning, shaking residents awake and reminding them of the powerful forces slumbering beneath their feet. While no damage was reported, the quake, which originated just one kilometer below the surface, reignited anxieties about the potential activity of the “Burning Fields.”
A Quake Amidst Unease
The tremor was clearly felt in Pozzuoli, a bustling port city that lies directly within the volcanic caldera. Residents in surrounding communities and even various districts of Naples, including Bagnoli, reported feeling the ground shake. For many, this latest event brought back unsettling memories of the strongest earthquake to hit the region in 40 years, which occurred only a few weeks earlier on May 20th.
A History of Eruptions
The Campi Flegrei, or Phlegraean Fields, is a geological marvel covering an area of 150 square kilometers. Marked by dozens of eruption craters, this volcanic complex has a dramatic past. Its first eruption, estimated to have happened around 34,000 years ago, was reportedly as explosive as the infamous 1815 Tambora eruption and the 1883 Krakatau eruption in Indonesia, both of which significantly impacted global climate.
Lingering Concerns
“It once again triggered fear among the population,” reported the Italian volcanology institute INGV.
While the region has remained relatively quiet for centuries, scientists continue to monitor the Campi Flegrei closely. Over the years, the area has seen periods of ground uplift and subtle seismic activity, raising concerns about the possibility of future eruptions. The Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) maintains a watchful eye on the area, providing continuous updates and analysis to inform authorities and the public.
The Enduring Power of the Earth
This recent tremor serves as a stark reminder of the restless nature of our planet. While the Campi Flegrei may appear dormant, its potential for powerful outbursts remains a subject of ongoing scientific research and public concern. Whether this latest quake is a mere ripple in a tranquil sea or a harbinger of future unrest, only time will tell.
* What measures are in place to protect the population around Campi Flegrei in the event of an eruption?
Campi Flegrei: Tremors Raise Concerns About Supervolcano
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Maria Rossi, a volcanologist from the University of Naples, to discuss the recent seismic activity near the Campi Flegrei volcano. Dr. Rossi, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** For our viewers who may not be familiar, can you explain what Campi Flegrei is and why it’s causing concern?
**Dr. Rossi:** Campi Flegrei, which translates to “Burning Fields”, is a massive volcanic caldera located just outside of Naples. It’s a supervolcano, meaning it’s capable of producing exceptionally large and devastating eruptions.
**Host:** We’ve seen reports of a 3.4 magnitude earthquake recently. What does this tell us about the volcano’s activity?
**Dr. Rossi:** While a magnitude 3.4 earthquake isn’t inherently catastrophic, it is significant because it occurred relatively shallow, just one kilometer below the surface. This, combined with over 150 earthquakes recorded in the area in just five hours earlier this year [[1](https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/volcanos/italys-campi-flegrei-volcano-hit-by-150-earthquakes-in-just-5-hours)], indicates a worrying increase in activity. The ground is actually starting to bulge upwards, showing signs of magma movement beneath the surface.
**Host:** Is there an imminent threat of eruption?
**Dr. Rossi:** That’s difficult to say with certainty. Currently, experts believe the risk of an imminent eruption is low [[1](https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/volcanos/italys-campi-flegrei-volcano-hit-by-150-earthquakes-in-just-5-hours)]. However, the increased seismic activity is a clear signal that Campi Flegrei is waking up, and we need to closely monitor the situation.
**Host:** What are scientists doing to monitor the volcano and prepare for any potential eruption?
**Dr. Rossi:** We have a comprehensive network of seismic stations and GPS sensors around Campi Flegrei that constantly track ground deformation and earthquake activity. This data allows us to build a picture of what’s happening beneath the surface. We are also working on developing early warning systems that could give residents precious time to evacuate in case of an eruption.
**Host:** Dr. Rossi, thank you for sharing your expertise and giving us a better understanding of this potentially dangerous situation.
**Dr. Rossi:** You’re welcome.
