There's a "weak point" in the rocky heart of the Phlegraean Fields, a fragile and permeable zone that functions as an accumulator of energy and fluids, explaining many of the phenomena that have alarmed the area west of Naples for decades, from ground uplift to frequent microseismic activity.
This was revealed by pioneering multidisciplinary research from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), previewed at the recent Joint National Congress of the Italian Geological Society and the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology, held in Padua.
An unprecedented look up to 4 km deep
The study, led by researcher Gianmarco Buono, reconstructed for the first time the structure of the caldera's crustal rocks down to a depth of 3-4 kilometers, combining cutting-edge techniques. The team combined innovative 4D laboratory analyses—actual 3D CT scans performed on rock samples while they were subjected to mechanical stress—with high-resolution 3D seismic imaging of the entire subsurface.
"These investigations have revealed, starting from a depth of about 2.5 km, the existence of crustal layers that are surprisingly less resistant and more permeable than expected," explains Gianmarco Buono.
"Our numerical simulations indicate that, over the course of the caldera's geological history, numerous small magmatic intrusions stalled precisely in this area, progressively contributing to its weakening."
The mechanism of bradyseism and the future scenario
This "weak layer" proved to be the key to interpreting the complex behavior of the Campi Flegrei.
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"This layer is not only crucial for understanding bradyseism, but could also influence any future magma ascents to the surface," Buono specifies. "Its presence can divert, slow, or facilitate magma migration, potentially affecting eruptive dynamics."
A high-risk volcanic system under constant observation
The research places the discovery in the context of the danger of one of the most monitored volcanic systems in the world. "Calderas, like the one at Campi Flegrei, are responsible for the most catastrophic eruptions on Earth," the researcher recalls.
After the last eruption in 1538, the area experienced several bradyseismic crises, such as those of 1950-52, 1970-72 and the well-known one of 1982-84, which led to the evacuation of the centre of Pozzuoli.
"Since 2005, a new critical phase has been underway," Buono concludes, "characterized by a progressive uplift of the ground, an increase in seismicity, and an intensification of hydrothermal activity.
Understanding the caldera's deep architecture, layer by layer, is essential to refine our forecasting models and more accurately assess the evolution of this crisis. Mapping this "Achilles' heel" of the Phlegraean crust therefore represents a decisive step forward in the long challenge of coexisting with a restless giant.
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11 September 2025 - 15:49
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1 September 2025 - 06:31
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1 September 2025 - 18:06
Comments (1)
The article presents interesting research on the Phlegraean Fields, but it's unclear how these findings can actually help predict future seismic events. More details on the methodologies used and the results obtained would be helpful.