Probabilistic-Numerical assessment of pyroclastic current hazard at Campi Flegrei and Naples city: Multi-VEI scenarios as a tool for full-scale risk management

TL;DR

This study uses probabilistic numerical simulations to create hazard maps for pyroclastic currents at Campi Flegrei, considering various eruption sizes and vent locations, to improve risk management and emergency planning for Naples.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive probabilistic approach to model PDC hazard scenarios across multiple VEI levels at Campi Flegrei, aiding full-scale risk assessment.

Findings

VEI<4 PDCs confined within caldera

VEI 4-5 PDCs threaten Naples area

Largest VEI scenarios could impact millions

Abstract

The Campi Flegrei volcanic field (Italy) poses very high risk to the highly urbanized Neapolitan area. Eruptive history was dominated by explosive activity producing pyroclastic currents (PDCs; (Proclastic Density Currents) ranging in scale from localized base surges to regional flows. Here we apply probabilistic numerical simulation approaches to produce PDC hazard maps, based on a comprehensive spectrum of flow properties and vent locations. These maps and provide all probable Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) scenarios from different source vents in the caldera, relevant for risk management planning. For each VEI scenario, we report the conditional probability for PDCs (i.e., the probability for a given area to be affected by the passage of PDCs) and related dynamic pressure. Model results indicate that PDCs from VEI<4 events would be confined within the Campi Flegrei caldera, PDC propagation being impeded by the northern and eastern caldera walls. Conversely, PDCs from VEI 4-5 events could invade a wide area beyond the northern caldera rim, as well as part of the Naples metropolitan area to the east. A major controlling factor of PDC dispersal is represented by the location of the vent area. PDCs from the potentially largest eruption scenarios (analogous to the ~15 ka, VEI 6 Neapolitan Yellow Tuff or even the ~39 ka, VEI 7 Campanian Ignimbrite extreme event) would affect a large part of the Campanian Plain to the north and the city of Naples to the east. Thus, in case of renewal of eruptive activity at Campi Flegrei, up to 3 million people will be potentially exposed to volcanic hazard, pointing out the urgency of an emergency plan. Considering the present level of uncertainty in forecasting the future eruption type, size and location we suggest that appropriate planning measures should face at least the VEI 5 reference scenario (at least 2 occurrences documented in the last 10 ka)