The Campi Flegrei: Understanding the Economic and Political Impact of Naples’ Volcanic Area

Earthquake in Campi Flegrei: Unprecedented Seismic Swarm

Over the past few hours, approximately 150 earthquakes have rattled the Campi Flegrei area, causing fear and concern among the local population.
The most powerful quake, measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale, is the strongest to hit the region in the last 40 years.

Recent Seismic Activities

Just a few months ago, a 4.0 magnitude tremor caused debris to fall in the city of Naples.
The epicenter was pinpointed in the Pisciarelli area, 3 kilometers beneath the surface.
Another significant event occurred on September 27th when a 4.2 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 3 kilometers.

Understanding the Concern

The heightened apprehension surrounding the recent earthquakes in Naples is directly linked to the region’s unique geological makeup.
The Campi Flegrei area, located in the Gulf of Pozzuoli just west of Naples, is classified as a supervolcano due to its vast caldera stretching 15-18 kilometers across multiple municipalities.

What are Campi Flegrei?

Supervolcanoes like Campi Flegrei are characterized by large calderas formed by underlying hotspots, distinct from traditional volcanoes.
Despite being currently dormant, the area is historically renowned for its volcanic activity, including bradyseism, the periodic ground uplift or descent linked to volcanic processes.

Risk of Eruptions and Seismic Events

The recent seismic swarm has reignited concerns about the Campi Flegrei’s volcanic dynamics.
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology is vigilantly monitoring the situation, as experts draw parallels to the seismic crisis of the early 1980s.
Although eruption predictions remain speculative, the rising seismicity prompts a cautious outlook.

The Call for Caution

Geologist Carlo Doglioni emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance, recalling the escalating seismicity that preceded past crises.
The fear of potential eruptions has prompted calls for preemptive actions, including the evacuation of vulnerable areas like Agnano-Solfatara.

A Catastrophic Scenario

With historical warnings of possible eruptions and the potential for a supereruption dwarfing the disastrous Pompeii event, the Campi Flegrei’s current seismic unrest paints a dire picture.
Experts and authorities remain on high alert, recognizing the unique threat posed by this volatile supervolcano.