In May, a powerful 4.4-magnitude earthquake shook the Phlegraean volcanic fields. It was the strongest quake in 40 years. Over the past six months, more than 3,000 smaller quakes have rattled the region. Clearly, this isn’t random. Scientists believe these tremors are signs of magma shifting beneath the caldera. Although not every quake leads to an eruption, this swarm is far too intense to ignore. Consequently, experts are paying close attention to every new tremor.
Gas Emissions Surge to Record Levels
Besides the shaking ground, there’s another troubling sign at the volcanic area: record-high gas emissions. Every day, scientists measure 4,000 to 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide being released. This is a huge amount for a volcano that has been mostly quiet for centuries. As magma in the Flegrean volcanic region moves closer to the surface, more gas escapes. Therefore, this surge of gas is a clear warning that the Campi Flegrei supervolcano might be preparing to erupt.
