Context:

Scientists have recently seen cycles of unrest at Campi Flegrei. These cycles were most noticeable from 1982 to 1984 and 2011 to 2024, when the land rose, there was seismic activity, and grinding sounds were made by fluid pressure underground.

Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia

About Campi Flegrei 

Campi Flegrei is a volcanic area in Italy. It is also known as the Phlegrean Fields.

• Characteristics: The volcano system is very complicated, with many centres inside a big caldera.
• Formation: An eruption 39,000 years ago sent magma into space and made it. One idea is that this explosion might have played a part in the extinction of the Neanderthals.
• Concerns about Bradyseism: Campi Flegrei has been in a state of unrest since 1950, which is thought to be because of a behaviour called bradyseism. Scientists call this effect "gradual shifting of the Earth's surface." It happens when an underground magma basin fills up or empties out or when hydrothermal activity happens.

Key Characteristics:

Physical Characteristics:

• One-third of Campi Flegrei is under the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is situated between the mainland of Italy and the island of Sardinia.
• Compared to Mount Vesuvius, it is both the biggest and most active volcanic caldera in Europe.
• After a nearly 3000 years of interval, the last reported eruption formed Monte Nuovo in 1538.
• A large-scale eruption of Campi Flegrei, which is classified as a supervolcano, could have worldwide implications, including alteration of the climate.