Supervolcano awakening could cause global chaos

A massive supervolcano in Italy is at risk of erupting again. Scientists are scrambling to find out whether recent signs are a sign of an imminent catastrophic event.

The Phlegraean Fields, a massive supervolcano near Naples, Italy , is showing worrying signs of renewed activity.

Solfatara crater, one of the most active areas, has been emitting more and more gas since 2005, attracting the attention of both scientists and locals.

What makes super volcanoes so dangerous?

Ash clouds and emissions from volcanic eruptions could cover the globe, causing catastrophic climate disruptions - (Photo: REUTERS).

With carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to burning 2,273.05 cubic metres of gasoline every day, the region is sending out signals that need serious attention. Research led by Gianmarco Buono of Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology highlights a worrying increase in emissions from the Solfatara crater.

Every day, between 4,000 and 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide are released, of which up to 80% comes directly from underground magma. The rest is due to reactions between extremely hot underground fluids and calcite rocks.

This increase in activity has scientists scrambling to find out whether magma is getting closer to the surface.

Supervolcanoes like the Phlegraean Fields can produce eruptions thousands of times more powerful than typical volcanic events. The resulting clouds of ash and gas could cover the globe, causing catastrophic climate disruption.

The Phlegraean Fields erupted violently 40,000 years ago, turning it into a geological "bomb".

A reminder of the unstable nature of the Earth

Not only have the emissions been detected in the area , but there have also been earthquakes and significant ground deformation , suggesting underground changes. These signs are consistent with the increased activity levels recorded since 2005.

In 2012, authorities raised the volcano's alert level from green to yellow, signaling an increased threat level.

Experts stress the need to distinguish between emissions caused by magma movement and emissions caused by natural reactions between rocks. This crucial distinction can mean the difference between a false alarm and a potentially life-saving evacuation.

The Phlegraean Fields also remind us of the precarious nature of the Earth. While not every sign of volcanic activity leads to disaster, the risks are great, and the world is watching.

Scientists are still watching and waiting to see if we are on the verge of another catastrophic eruption, or if this restless crater will calm down in the future.