In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, cumulatingly spilling out an estimated one hundred and five million tons of poisonous gas and lava. The enormous eruption blanketed Pompeii, Herculaneum and surrounding villages in ash and soil, burying them and their inhabitants. Since the initial eruption, Vesuvius has experienced five additional eruptions, with the most recent in 1944, ensuring it remains the most well-known and studied volcano in the world.
Located in the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius is classified as a stratovolcano, meaning it has shaped up through repeated eruptions over the years since it began erupting almost four thousand years ago. It has an elevation of 1281 m above sea level and an estimated cone-shaped diameter of 8 km. Volcanologist estimate that the eruption responsible for the destruction of Pompeii was an explosive Plinian eruption at an estimated VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) of six.
Vesuvius is the most monitored active volcano in Europe and is carefully observed by the Campanian Volcanic Observatory and the Vesuvius Observatory. Despite the intensifying monitoring of Vesuvius, no one can say definitively what the next eruption will bring. According to experts, a large eruption is possible and seismologists remain constant on the alert for signs that an eruption is imminent. Monitoring instruments such as infrared and radar cameras, tiltmeters and GPS stations continuously monitor Vesuvius.
The more recent eruptions of Vesuvius have been less intimidating than the 79 AD eruption. The last two Plinian eruptions in 1631 and 1906 were more frequently between mild and moderate. This can allude to two potential outcomes. On one hand, these responses could mean the volcano is settling and may become less active over the coming years. On the other hand, it could suggest that the volcano’s activity is beginning to increase in anticipation of a bigger eruption.
Visible traces of the 79 AD eruption are still abundant in the surrounding environment. According to UNESCO, the eruption “dug faults and furrows, swallowed up entire towns, created new peaks and valleys, restructured the entire landscape.” The effects of the tragedy are still visible today, with some scholars calculating that it affected eighteen thousand square kilometres.
In 2020, some theories arose saying the incredible heat of recent years had caused the volcano to heat up, stirring fear that another eruption was imminent. Such claims have been denied by experts, who are confident Vesuvius will remain relatively settled in the foreseeable future. Geologists confirm the temperatures at the base of the crater remain steady and that no worrying seismic activity has been recorded.
The Ruins of Pompeii remain a popular tourist destination for visitors who are drawn by their mysterious beauty and history. Educational institutions, archaeological groups, universities and researchers often use the area for research, referencing the latest analysis and monitoring conducted. The activities of the Vesuvius Observatory remain vital in ensuring those who live in the area and tourists alike remain safe.
The 79 AD Eruption
The 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius persist to be the most famous volcanic eruption in history. It destroyed the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as several other smaller settlements. The eruption was an estimated VEI (Volcanic Explosivity Index) of six, spewing 100 million tons of ash and stones that buried the cities in 6 to 19 metres of sediment.
The eruption was a shocking event that has been described by ancient historians such as Pliny the Younger and Tacitus. According to their accounts, the eruption continued for twenty-four hours in two fatal stages, the first spewing out smoke and ashes and the second large, pumice lumps and cinders that fell from the sky like snow. Archaeologists estimate that the death toll from the 79 AD eruption is between 8,000 and 26,000.
The power of the eruption is still visible today. Its remains can be found within the incredible ruins of Pompeii, preserved in rubble and ash. Artefacts such as tools, household objects and ancient jewellery discovered within the ruins allow researchers to piece together a snapshot of the tragedies that took place so long ago.
The Ancient Roman’s Response
The monumental tragedy of the 79AD eruption prompted a drastic shift in the citizens’ response. When Vesuvius first erupted, it was a largely unknown phenomenon. The Roman people instead believed a myth that claimed the mountain was home to an omnipotent god or supernatural being, causing it to be held in deep reverence.
The ancient Romans viewed the volcano as a deity, and some even constructed temples in honour of its power within its shadow. Before Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed, many of its people believed any damage Vesuvius could cause would be minor, or would at least give them enough time to evacuate.
Once they lived through the devastation of the 79 AD eruption, the Romans finally recognised the destructive capabilities of Mount Vesuvius. The eruption remains a testament to the overwhelming power of nature and a reminder of how such chaos may befall us in a single day.
Modern Eruption Risk
Despite continuous observation and research, scientists cannot predict with absolute accuracy when the next eruption on Mount Vesuvius will take place. Natural history has taught us that eruptions often happen without warning and can be difficult to prepare for. In addition, without the ability to predetermine the magnitude of an eruption, it is difficult to establish a criterion for an evacuation plan to protect the lives and property in the area.
This is why researchers agree that the best way to minimise the risk of an eruption is to institute a systems of monitoring and observation. Volcanologists work in gradually increasing intervals to observe changes in the state of the volcano, even in times of apparent quiet, in order to detect any early warning signs of activity.
This monitoring includes seismic activity and seismic loudspeakers around the volcano. In addition, the Campania volcano observatory publishes weekly bulletins and scientific reports highlighting the current state of the volcano, making sure all relevant authorities remain in the loop.
Tourism Around Mount Vesuvius
Despite its long history of eruptions, Vesuvius remains a popular tourist destination. Mount Vesuvius, along with the excavations of Pompeii, was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site with the hope of protecting them for future generations. Today, visitors can view the ruins of Pompeii and climb the mountain itself.
There are multiple ways to explore Vesuvius and the surrounding area; for history lovers, archeological sites are the ideal way to uncover the past from way back in 79 AD. Adventure seekers can embark on the grueling three hour hike up the mountain, where they can peek into its crater. Those looking for something less taxing can simply take in the dense foliage and breathtaking views.
Just over one million visitors flock to Vesuvius every year and the opportunity to witness this natural marvel remains a draw for many. Tourism has boomed in the surrounding cities of Campania, Naples and Italy as a whole, often directly or indirectly assisted by people travelling to visit the volcano and Pompeii.
Conclusion
Though a natural disaster in 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius is now regarded as an awe-inspiring site of interest. Despite being the most monitored volcano in Europe, uncertainty remains when it comes to predicting its next eruption. The best way to protect those living in the area is therefore to continue observing, monitoring and researching its progress. With an estimated one million visitors a year, the twin tragedies of Pompeii and Herculaneum continue to fascinate the world.
