A recent study has unveiled significant findings about the Campi Flegrei volcano, located just east of Naples. Researchers have discovered that a massive eruption, termed the Maddaloni/X-6 eruption, occurred approximately 109,000 years ago. This eruption is comparable in scale to the largest known eruption from Campi Flegrei, which took place around 40,000 years ago. The implications of this research are profound, particularly regarding the potential for future volcanic activity in a region home to nearly 400,000 residents.
The Maddaloni/X-6 eruption is believed to have expelled more than 36 cubic miles (150 cubic kilometers) of magma from beneath the Earth's surface. The resulting ash and volcanic rock have created a layer that is now mostly visible in small outcrops within the Apennine region or in deep boreholes drilled into the Earth. This geological evidence underscores the eruption's size and impact on the landscape.
The eruption also formed a caldera stretching 9 miles (15 kilometers) in diameter, a feature reminiscent of the caldera produced by the major eruption that occurred 40,000 years ago. This discovery highlights the potential for large, recurring eruptions in this geologically active area.
The fertile soil of the Campanian Plain, known for its agricultural richness, owes its composition to volcanic ash from previous eruptions, including the one that occurred 40,000 years ago. The ongoing unrest observed at Campi Flegrei over the past 75 years has raised concerns among scientists about the volcano's potential for future eruptions. The last recorded eruption at Campi Flegrei took place in 1538 and released approximately 0.005 cubic miles (0.02 cubic kilometers) of magma.
In their study, researchers utilized geological outcrops to develop a model depicting the Maddaloni/X-6 eruption. The ignimbrite produced during this event reaches depths of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) in certain locations. This extensive research indicates that understanding the magma plumbing beneath the Campi Flegrei system is crucial for assessing future risks.
Giada Fernandez, the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, "It changes the perception of the risk of Campi Flegrei being active again." This assertion resonates with experts who advocate for a broader perspective on volcanic hazards in the region.
Dr. Stephen Kilburn, a volcanologist, echoed Fernandez's sentiments: "We've got to start viewing the volcano as more than just Campi Flegrei. We've got to start thinking of the whole of the Campanian Plain as being a potential zone of eruption, even if very rarely." This shift in viewpoint reflects a growing recognition that multiple locations within the plain could be at risk.
The confirmation of an ancient eruption nearly as large as the most significant known event raises subtle yet important questions about the geological stability of the area. The study urges further investigation into the underlying magma systems and their potential to trigger future eruptions.
