Vesuvius is one of the most famous and studied active volcanoes in the world, not only for its eruptive activity, but also for its historical, cultural, and social impact. It is located in Campania, near the city of Naples, and is best known for its eruption in 79 AD, which destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Originally, Vesuvius was not exactly as it appears today. In fact, the various violent eruptions over the years totally changed its structure.
In the beginning it appeared as one large caldera formed by an older mountain, Mount Somma, and the present-day Great Cone of Vesuvius incorporated into the former.
Vesuvius, therefore, was formerly a single large volcano extending more than 2,000 meters in height.
As a result of very violent eruptions of the explosive type, the volcano collapsed and gave rise to a lower northern ridge ( Mount Somma) and the present crater, referred to as the Great Cone of Vesuvius.
The Great Cone therefore originated only later with the accumulation of layers of lava, pumice and ash.
This cone today is about 1,281 meters high and has a conical shape. At the apex of it is the crater, about 600 meters wide and 300 meters deep.
Why is Vesuvius considered the most dangerous volcano in the world?
Vesuvius’ last eruption was in 1944, and unlike previous very violent eruptions it did not have a devastating effect over the entire territory. In fact, it only partially destroyed Massa di Somma and San Sebastiano. The greatest damage was caused by the accumulation of ash on the roofs of houses, which led to their falling off.
But so why is Vesuvius still considered the most dangerous volcano in the world today?
High concentration of inhabitants
One of the main reasons is the conformation of the Territory. Unfortunately, the area around Mount Vesuvius is densely populated, with millions of people living in municipalities within a few kilometers of the volcano, such as Naples, Torre del Greco, Herculaneum and Pompeii.
This high concentration of inhabitants increases the risk of serious damage and casualties in the event of a sudden eruption. Given the difficulty for people to be able to escape in time in case of an impending eruption.
Plinian-type explosive eruptions
In addition, Vesuvius is known for its explosive eruptions, which can generate huge lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows.
These phenomena are extremely dangerous and can devastate large areas in a short time. The famous eruption of 79 A.D., which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, is just one of the best-known examples of how devastating these eruptions can be.
Eruptions referred to by experts as Plinian eruptions because they were described by Pliny the younger in a letter to his friend Tacitus during the eruption of 79 AD. These are characterized by columns of gas and ash that can reach enormous heights and cause structural collapse, pyroclastic flows and extensive damage.
This type of eruption can be deadly even for those at considerable distances from the volcano.
But not only Vesuvius eruptions can also generate secondary phenomena such as landslides, mudflows (which occur when lava comes into contact with water) and the explosion of poisonous gases.
It is The most monitored volcano in the world
Vesuvius has currently been in quiescence for decades, and is one of the most monitored volcanoes in the world, precisely because it is considered “active” and could erupt again at any time.
Monitoring activities are careful and constant, every movement of the volcano is carefully evaluated to prevent and reduce the risk in case of an imminent eruption and avoid harm to people living in its vicinity.
VISIT THE GREAT VESUVIUS CONE
BOOK YOUR TOUR
