The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology is a public research body which has among its primary purposes the study of natural hazards in Italy. Due to its statutory nature, INGV is a member of the National Civil Protection Service and is deeply and daily engaged in the study and estimation of seismic and volcanic hazards.
With the aim of promoting scientific comparison and free debate, as well as the coordination of the various research and support activities for the Civil Protection Department, last November 27, 28 and 29 were organized at the INGV Section of Naples (Observatory Vesuviano), three Study Days dedicated to the Campi Flegrei (November 27-28) and to the recent earthquake on the island of Ischia (November 29).
During the meetings there were about 50 presentations in which the work of over 200 researchers from INGV and its research associates was exposed; in addition, in-depth discussions were held on the various topics addressed. The meeting was broadcast in live streaming to all INGV staff, but, due to the internal and particularly technical nature of the scientific discussion, it was not expected to be broadcast outside. A representative of the Civil Protection Department was also invited to the meeting.
The communications and discussions were extremely stimulating, full of new data and of great scientific interest; several new researches presented will soon be published in international journals.
As far as the Campi Flegrei are concerned, no indications of imminent alarm emerged, nor was it possible to reassure the non-existence of the danger. The Civil Protection Department has maintained the "yellow" level of attention for the Phlegraean area since 2012.
INGV is particularly committed to the study of precursors which remain an important frontier for scientific research and its fundamental social applications. The Institute will promptly inform the civil protection authorities if significant changes to the monitored parameters are detected. INGV is and remains at your complete disposal to provide the most accurate knowledge and assessments on the state of seismicity and Italian volcanoes. The latest proof of this is the recent public meeting on the state of the Campi Flegrei held in Pozzuoli last November 15 in the presence of the highest city and civil protection authorities, citizens and the press.