Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrests

Abstract The Campi Flegrei caldera has experienced several episodes of volcanic unrest during the last few centuries, most notably in 1982–1984 and 2005–present. These periods of unrest are characterized by ground uplift, seismic swarms, and increased degassing. In this study, we compare the seismic...

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Main Authors: Vincenzo Convertito, Cataldo Godano, Giuseppe Petrillo, Anna Tramelli
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98240-4
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author Vincenzo Convertito
Cataldo Godano
Giuseppe Petrillo
Anna Tramelli
author_facet Vincenzo Convertito
Cataldo Godano
Giuseppe Petrillo
Anna Tramelli
author_sort Vincenzo Convertito
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The Campi Flegrei caldera has experienced several episodes of volcanic unrest during the last few centuries, most notably in 1982–1984 and 2005–present. These periods of unrest are characterized by ground uplift, seismic swarms, and increased degassing. In this study, we compare the seismicity and associated b value variations during the 1982–1984 and 2005–2024 unrest periods. The b value is calculated using the novel b more positive method, which improves upon traditional approaches by analyzing the magnitude difference between successive earthquakes, without the need to estimate the completeness magnitude. Our results show significant differences in the spatial and temporal evolution of b values between the two unrest periods. In particular, the 2005–2024 unrest exhibits a slower ground uplift rate but higher fluctuations in the b value, especially in shallower seismicity, possibly suggesting different underlying mechanisms compared to the 1982–1984 crisis. We also observe distinct regions of increased stress, particularly beneath Pozzuoli harbor and Pisciarelli area for deeper seismicity, during the ongoing unrest. Our findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of Campi Flegrei volcanic systems and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of the b value as a potential strain meter for describing volcanic activity.
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spelling doaj-art-f64d94fdb16b4a6c8d44d3f040d11e842025-08-20T01:47:32ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-98240-4Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrestsVincenzo Convertito0Cataldo Godano1Giuseppe Petrillo2Anna Tramelli3Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Naples section - Osservatorio VesuvianoDepartment of Mathematics and Physics, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU)Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Naples section - Osservatorio VesuvianoAbstract The Campi Flegrei caldera has experienced several episodes of volcanic unrest during the last few centuries, most notably in 1982–1984 and 2005–present. These periods of unrest are characterized by ground uplift, seismic swarms, and increased degassing. In this study, we compare the seismicity and associated b value variations during the 1982–1984 and 2005–2024 unrest periods. The b value is calculated using the novel b more positive method, which improves upon traditional approaches by analyzing the magnitude difference between successive earthquakes, without the need to estimate the completeness magnitude. Our results show significant differences in the spatial and temporal evolution of b values between the two unrest periods. In particular, the 2005–2024 unrest exhibits a slower ground uplift rate but higher fluctuations in the b value, especially in shallower seismicity, possibly suggesting different underlying mechanisms compared to the 1982–1984 crisis. We also observe distinct regions of increased stress, particularly beneath Pozzuoli harbor and Pisciarelli area for deeper seismicity, during the ongoing unrest. Our findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of Campi Flegrei volcanic systems and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of the b value as a potential strain meter for describing volcanic activity.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98240-4
spellingShingle Vincenzo Convertito
Cataldo Godano
Giuseppe Petrillo
Anna Tramelli
Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrests
Scientific Reports
title Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrests
title_full Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrests
title_fullStr Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrests
title_full_unstemmed Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrests
title_short Insights from b value analysis of Campi Flegrei unrests
title_sort insights from b value analysis of campi flegrei unrests
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98240-4
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