Figure 1 - Map of the overall system of active monitoring networks in the Vesuvius and Phlegraean area, including the islands of Ischia and Procida (illustration INGV-OV).
Figure 2 - Thermal mapping obtained from a flight mission performed in the La Solfatara crater, using a FlyBit SAPR, equipped with a FLIR SC655 thermal camera and with a Sony Alpha 6000 camera (from Sansivero et al., 2017).
The monitoring activity for the purposes of observation and surveillance of the activity status of Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei and Ischia is carried out by the INGV Section of Naples - Vesuvius Observatory (OV). The OV also contributes to the recording and collection of seismic signals produced by the Stromboli volcano, in the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands.
The three volcanic systems in Campania are currently quiescent but it is possible that they will erupt in the future. Their eruptive style - mainly explosive or mixed - and their location in densely populated areas with infrastructural, historical and artistic heritage of inestimable value, make the Neapolitan, Phlegrean and Ischia areas at high risk. To monitor these areas, the OV makes use of multiparametric instrumental and observational networks (link to the networks page) which collect volcanological data, and measure seismic, geodetic and geochemical signals (figure 1). As part of the volcanic monitoring of Campi Flegrei, the OV is equipped with permanent thermal infrared surveillance networks and drones to monitor areas characterized by significant thermal anomalies and intense degassing (image 2).
The information relating to the activity status of the three volcanic systems is transmitted to the DPC in the form of press releases, bulletins and reports and is used to define the alert levels (link to Monitoring and Infrastructures -> Emergency Activities) and so that the Civil Protection can activate the procedures envisaged in the event of a volcanic crisis.
The signals and data collected by the surveillance monitoring networks converge in the Monitoring Room of the OV where two shift workers are present 7/24, alternating according to three daily shifts. The shift workers, which the OV makes use of, are in charge of transmitting the communications to the DPC and to the other competent authorities, and are assisted by four different specialized personnel available 24/7, who are: a seismologist, a volcanologist, a computer system administrator and a technical services employee. Another available figure is the substitute shift worker who is called in the event of justified unavailability of shift personnel.
In the event of seismic events exceeding the magnitude threshold defined according to agreements with the DPC - i.e. M≥2.5 for Vesuvius and M≥1.5 for Campi Flegrei and Ischia (see table) - the Monitoring Room of the Vesuvius Observatory issues within the first five minutes after the event, a preliminary press release reporting the news of the event itself, and within the first half hour a press release reporting the Magnitude and location revised by the shift workers.
For further information
Table
|
Vesuvio |
M≥2.5 |
|
Campi Flegrei |
M≥1.5 |
|
Ischia |
M≥1.5 |