Important discoveries have emerged from the Gulf of Naples regarding the volcanic effervescence of the Phlegraean Fields and the seismic history of the island of Ischia. Among the new findings is the identification of a previously undescribed submerged caldera of significant size.
An ancient submarine volcano, located just west of Ischia, is the focus of attention. “It could prove important for understanding the evolutionary history and volcanic activity of this large area,” said Riccardo De Ritis, a researcher and first author of a paper summarizing the study conducted by a team of experts.
Magnetic surveys have delved into the active submarine volcanic system located off the western coast of Italy, right in correspondence with the Campi Flegrei and the island of Ischia, identifying on the seabed a series of previously unknown geological structures, including the remains of an ancient caldera and a large landslide, which according to the researchers could have generated a massive tsunami: important evidence, also for interpreting the ongoing bradyseismic crisis.
Moreover, up to now the underwater portion of the Phlegraean Fields had not been analyzed and represented in an integrated manner with the marine sectors in front.
Airborne and naval surveys have detected significant magnetic anomalies, thus certifying the presence of an ancient submerged volcano and a vast underwater landslide which – continues De Ritis – “extends for tens of kilometers and which could be the result of events linked to the instability of the volcanic slopes”.
What's more, the study found magnetic lineaments that correspond to both known regional faults and new structures that could reflect tectonic and volcanic processes still active in the area.
“We used high-resolution magnetic surveys via airborne and naval surveys, and then cross-referenced the magnetic anomaly data with bathymetric and seismic data,” says Massimo Chiappini, who heads the INGV Environment Department and is co-author of the study.
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It is interesting how studies on Campi Flegrei lead to new discoveries. The submerged caldera and the landslides seem to demonstrate that there are many things we do not know yet. The volcanic history of Ischia is complex, and there will certainly be more research in the future.