Vesuvius

SUMMARY:

Type: composite
Activity: dormant
Last Eruption: 1944 AD
Rock Type: ?
Eruptive Volume: ? cu km
Location Map from Xerox PARC
Latitude: 40.82 N
Longitude: 14.43 E

GEOLOGIC HISTORY

The Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex is a central composite volcano formed by an older stratovolcano (Monte Somma) with a summit caldera patially filled by the composite cone to Vesuvius. The most noted eruption, in 79 A.D., destroyed the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Since the explosive sub-Plinian eruption in 1631, Vesuvius has erupted with both Strombolian and mixed effusive-explosive styles. For the past three centuries the volcanic activity has mainly focused inside the Somma caldera but occasionally lava issued outside it (i.e., 1760 eruption). The last cycle of activity ended with the 1944 eruption. Since then, the volcano has been charaterized by moderate seismicity and intra-crater fumarolic activity.

Historic Activity: Over 80 eruptions from 79 A.D. to 1944. Most famous for its 79 A.D. eruption which buried Pompeii.

Recent Activity:

• The 1995-96 period was the most seismicly active period of the past fifty years. Seismic swarm during March-May 1996. Seismicity continued thru August but at a lower rate than the high in March-May.

Data Sources

• Global Volcanism Network (V. 21, No. 6 to V. 24, No. 10).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Link to Global Volcanism Network's Vesuvius Information
• Link to VolcanoWorld's Vesuvius Info
• Link to U.S.G.S. - CVO's Vesuvius Info

Last Update: 2/12/00