Two long-dormant “supervolcanoes” on different continents may be showing signs of awakening, but experts disagree on whether this indicates an imminent eruption. The Campi Flegrei volcano in southern Italy has experienced over a thousand minor earthquakes in recent months, while the Long Valley Caldera volcano in California has also seen seismic activity. However, most experts believe that there is no immediate danger of an eruption at either volcano. Both Campi Flegrei and Long Valley are calderas, which are large depressions caused by past super-eruptions. Calderas are more challenging to forecast than typical volcanic mountains. While seismic activity can indicate an awakening volcano, the situation is much more complex. Campi Flegrei and Long Valley are both known as supervolcanoes, capable of massive explosions, but experts argue that this does not necessarily mean civilization-ending eruptions. Concerns remain among communities near the calderas, with plans in place for evacuations if necessary. The last eruption at Campi Flegrei occurred in 1538, and the most recent seismic unrest in the area resulted in significant ground uplift but no eruption. The current activity at Campi Flegrei suggests changes in the volcano’s crust, making it more prone to rupture. However, even if a rupture occurs, it does not guarantee a volcanic eruption. The Long Valley Caldera has also experienced increased earthquake activity but is thought to be at a low risk of a major eruption due to signs of cooling magma. The ability to forecast eruptions is challenging due to the variety of volcano systems worldwide. Each volcano has its own personality, and understanding their behavior requires extensive monitoring.
Scientists Focused on Two Distant Supervolcanoes, Unveiling their Secrets
