Naples – A magnitude 3.1 earthquake was recorded at 3:23 a.m. in the Campi Flegrei area. According to data from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the quake had a very shallow hypocenter, about 2 kilometers deep, with its epicenter located about 5 kilometers from Pozzuoli, in the Solfatara area.
The earthquake was clearly felt not only in the Phlegraean Fields area but also in numerous neighborhoods of Naples, where many were awakened from their sleep. No damage or injury has been reported so far.
The main shock was followed, a minute later, by an aftershock of magnitude 2.9. Shortly thereafter, a third, of magnitude 1.6, was recorded. Seismic activity continued in the following hours: at 5:19 a.m., seismographs detected another event of magnitude 1.3.
Already yesterday, at 1.54pm, another significant earthquake was reported, with a magnitude of 2.9.
The weekly bulletin of the INGV
Meanwhile, the INGV has released its weekly bulletin on bradyseismic activity in the Campi Flegrei area, with data updated through January 4th. During the reporting period, seismicity was described as moderate, with 28 events recorded and a maximum magnitude of 2.1 ±0.3. The magnitude 2.9 event recorded today, the researchers explain, will be included in the next weekly bulletin, along with all seismic activity detected since that date.
Regarding ground deformation, the bulletin confirms an average uplift rate of approximately 25 millimeters per month. A new increase of 5 millimeters was also detected by the RITE sensor, located in the Rione Terra area, bringing the overall uplift to 22,5 centimeters starting in January 2025. This data refers to the same monitoring week as the bulletin.
Experts emphasize that even rapid variations in uplift rates have been observed in the past and do not alter the overall trend of the phenomenon, which remains complex and nonlinear. The same is true for the relationship between seismicity and ground deformation: there is a correlation, but not a direct and rigid proportionality, precisely because of the complex nature of the Phlegraean volcanic system.
Finally, from a geochemical perspective, no particularly new elements have emerged at this time. Further in-depth analysis is expected with the publication of the next monthly bulletin.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
This seismic activity affecting us is a bit worrying, but we hope there's no harm to people. The INGV data is useful, but we must remain alert at all times.