Science
Scientists Warn Italy’s Phlegraean Fields Supervolcano Is Stirring, Raising Global Alarm
Scientists are now more concerned than ever about the possibility of a significant eruption after a strong series of earthquakes at Italy’s enormous supervolcano, Campi Flegrei.
The largest earthquake in forty years, measuring magnitude 4.4, rocked the Phlegraean Fields near Naples in May.
higher than 3,000 minor earthquakes, or tremors, have been observed by scientists in the last six months, which is significantly higher seismic activity than is typical for the region.
According to experts, as subterranean pressure builds up, eruptions typically occur before an increase in earthquake activity.
By weakening the rock above the volcano’s magma chamber, these little earthquakes can facilitate the passage of magma. Compare it to the buildup of steam in a pressure cooker; if the lid becomes too weak, it may explode.
Another warning indicator that geologists have noticed is a sudden increase in the gases being produced from the volcano.
The worry has been heightened by the increase in carbon dioxide emissions from Campi Flegrei, which Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reports range from 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes per day.
Increased gas emissions, according to experts, frequently indicate that magma is approaching the surface and increasing the volcano’s pressure.
It is more concerning because magma is currently only a few kilometres below the surface, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
With all of the recent earthquakes and gas leaks, if pressure keeps increasing, it can cause an eruption without any notice.
“It is absolutely critical to distinguish between gas emissions resulting from natural rock interactions and those caused by magma movement,” stated Christopher R. J. Kilburn, IGNV’s chief volcanologist.
More than four million residents of the Naples metropolitan region are seriously threatened by Campi Flegrei.
It might cause extensive harm if it erupts. Lava flows, ash clouds, and swiftly moving hot gases could all damage buildings.
Life might become hazardous and chaotic if roads, electricity, and water sources are cut off.
Numerous homes and lives are at danger because of the proximity of the Campi Flegrei to the city of Naples and other villages like Pozzuoli.
About 80% of the carbon dioxide emitted from the Solfatara crater originates straight from magma beneath the Earth’s surface, according to a recent study headed by Gianmarco Buono, a PhD candidate at the University of Naples Federico II.
This indicates that the magma is releasing gases, which is a clear indication that it may be approaching the surface. The remaining 20% of the gas is produced by the natural reaction of heated fluids with subterranean rocks, which does not necessarily portend an impending eruption.
Because these gas emissions are important indicators of impending eruptions, scientists monitor them in conjunction with ground swelling and thousands of little earthquakes.
As magma rises, gases are forced out, increasing the volcano’s internal pressure. Excessive pressure can lead to fractures and potentially hazardous eruptions.
“Burning fields” is what Campi Flegrei implies. It is a large volcanic crater that was created when the ground above the magma chamber collapsed due to a powerful eruption thousands of years ago.
The last eruption of Campi Flegrei occurred in 1538. Major eruptions occur every few thousand years, but the volcano doesn’t erupt very often. However, in recent decades, there have been indications of instability.
Although the exact timing of the next eruption cannot be predicted, scientists think the recent activity suggests that it may occur sooner rather than later.
Bradyseism is the term for the gradual rising and dropping of the ground in the region since 2005.
This occurs when subterranean gas and magma accumulate, either pushing the surface upward or allowing it to descend again.
For instance, during the current period, the ground in the nearby town of Pozzuoli has risen by roughly 4.7 feet.
This is similar to how magma pushing from below causes the Earth’s surface to gradually swell like a balloon.
To investigate the response of the rock beneath Campi Flegrei to stress, they used a mechanical failure model, which is frequently used in structural engineering.
According to their observations, the crust is changing from merely bending to cracking, a process that frequently occurs before eruptions.
“We are seeing a clear progression toward a state where rupture is more likely,” the scientists noted.
In 2012, authorities upgraded the volcano’s alert level from green to yellow because to the escalating warning indicators that started in 2005.
Although authorities have created thorough evacuation plans for the millions of residents in the Naples metropolitan region, it is still difficult to guarantee that these plans can be carried out quickly and efficiently in the event that an eruption becomes imminent.
The danger of Campi Flegrei is not limited to the area. One of the worst volcanic disasters in Earth’s history was created by Campi Flegrei’s powerful eruption around 40,000 years ago, which also significantly altered the planet’s climate.
A similar eruption today would have far-reaching effects outside of Italy.
Much of Europe could be covered in ash clouds, which would disrupt flights, harm crops, and cut off electricity.
Food supplies around the world would be in danger if volcanic gases blocked sunlight, resulting in years of colder temperatures and erratic weather.
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