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One of the
world's most noted volcanoes, Vesuvius (Vesuvio) forms a dramatic backdrop
to the Bay of Naples. The historically active cone of Vesuvius was
constructed within a large caldera of the ancestral Monte Somma volcano,
thought to have formed incrementally beginning about 17,000 years ago. The
Monte Somma caldera wall has channeled lava flows and pyroclastic flows
primarily to the south and west. Eight major explosive eruptions have
taken place in the last 17,000 years, often accompanied by large
pyroclastic flows and surges, such as during the well-known 79 AD Pompei
eruption. Intermittent eruptions since 79 AD were followed by a period of
frequent long-term explosive and effusive eruptions beginning in 1631 and
lasting until 1944. The 1631 eruption was the largest since 79 AD and
produced devastating pyroclastic flows that reached as far as the coast
and caused great destruction. Many towns are located on the volcano's
flanks, and several million people live within areas potentially affected
by eruptions of Vesuvius. |
