Researchers Uncover Surprise Magma Chamber Under Volcano Near Popular European Tourist Destination
A team of geologists researching the area surrounding Campi Flegrei, a large area of Phlegrean Fields near Naples, Italy, have uncovered a surprise magma chamber below the seafloor. The group of scientists, which originated from universities in U.K., Portugal, Italy, Spain, and Germany, discovered the chamber by creating a detailed 3D map of the area that included the seafloors.
The Magma Chamber
The magma chamber measured 20 km in total, with parts of it located several kilometers below the seafloor. This particular area consists of several stratovolcanoes and monogenetic volcanoes (a form of volcano with a single eruption). According to the researchers, the magma chamber has been hidden for thousands of years and is one of the largest ever discovered beneath a volcano near a populated area.
Potential Effects
The scientists believe that the magma chamber could put the region at increased risk of volcanic activity. As one of the most popular European tourist destinations, with millions of visitors each year, this news could be troubling. Although the researchers suggest that the risk of a volcanic eruption or seismic activity is low, the discovery has caused concern in the area.
What Should We Do?
Although the discovery of the magma chamber is a cause of concern, there is still more research that needs to be done before any conclusions can be made. The scientists suggest that continued research and monitoring will be necessary to fully understand the potential risks and the best way to protect the areas around Campi Flegrei and other nearby tourist spots.
Conclusion
Until more is understood about the magma chamber and its potential risks, it is best to be cautious and follow the guidance provided by local and international authorities. With the help of further research and measurement of seismic activity, the scientists hope to provide a clearer understanding of the risks and how to best protect the population in the area.
Article by: Rebecca Graham On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, a team of researchers with the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) announced the discovery of an unexpected magma chamber located beneath a volcano on the Tyrrhenian Sea floor near Italy’s popular tourist destination of Ischia.
The discovery was made by INGV researchers using mapping technology, which allowed them to examine the structures underneath the seafloor. According to their findings, the magma chamber is located beneath Ischia’s submarine volcano, which is made up of sediments, volcanic rocks, and a “shallow intrusive magmatic body” containing magma.
The research team believes that this recently-discovered magma chamber is the source of volcanic eruptions in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This finding is particularly significant as it could help scientists understand the behavior of volcanic eruptions in the region and possibly even predict future ones.
The news of the magma chamber has raised concerns from politicians and authorities on the Italian island of Ischia, who are worried that the magma chamber could be a danger to the nearby tourist destinations. They are urging researchers to continue to analyze the data and to explore the potential implications of their findings.
Researchers have acknowledged citizens’ concerns and are dedicated to continuing to study the volcano in the area and sharing their findings with the public.
This discovery adds to the growing number of surprising volcanoes and magma chambers that have been found beneath the seas of the Mediterranean region. The discovery not only raises questions about the potential danger posed by these volcanoes to the population but also provides opportunities for more research into this fascinating part of the world.
Together, the findings of the INGV research team paint an interesting picture of the complex nature of the volcanic processes occurring beneath the Mediterranean Sea.