right|thumb|220px|Sulfur at the Solfatara craterCampi Flegrei, also known as the Phlegraean Fields (from Greek φλέγος, burning), is a large wide caldera situated to the west of Naples, Italy. It was declared a regional park in 2003. Lying mostly underwater, the area comprises 24 craters and volcanic edifices. Hydrothermal activity can be observed at Lucrino, Agnano and the town of Pozzuoli. There are also effusive gaseous manifestations in the Solfatara crater, which is known as the mythological home of the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. The area also features bradyseismic phenomena, which are most evident at the temple of Serapis in Pozzuoli. Geological phases Three geological phases or periods are recognised and distinguished . - The First Phlegraean Period. It is thought that the eruption of the Archiflegreo volcano occurred about 39.28 ± 0.11 ka (older estimate ~37,000 years ago), erupting about of magma ( bulk volume) to produce the Campanian Ignimbrite. The area is characterised by banks of piperno and pipernoid grey tuff at Camaldoli hill, like in the northern and western ridge of Mount Cumae; other referable deep products are those found at Mount Procida, recognizable in the cliffs of its coast.
- The Second Phlegraean Period. Between the 35,000-10,500 years ago
- The Third Phlegraean Period. Dated between 8,000 - 500 years ago
Volcanic deposit indicating possible eruption dated Ar at 315, 205, 157 and 18.0 kya The caldera, which now is essentially at ground level, is accessible on foot. It contains a large number of fumaroles, from which steam can be seen issuing, and over 150 pools of boiling mud at last count. Several subsidiary cones and tuff craters lie within the caldera. One of these craters is filled by Lake Avernus. In 1538, an eight-day eruption in the area deposited enough material to create a new hill, Monte Nuovo. It has risen about from ground level since 1970. It is a VEI 7 supervolcano, still active. At present, the Campi Flegrei area comprises the Naples districts of Agnano and Fuorigrotta, the area of Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Mount Procida, Quarto, the Phlegrean Islands ( Ischia, Procida and Vivara). Recent inflation of the caldera centre in the vicinity of Pozzuoli may presage an eruptive event within decades. Cultural importance Campi Flegrei had strategical and cultural importance. - The area was known to the Greeks, who had a colony nearby at Cumae.
- The beach of Miliscola, in Bacoli, was the Roman military academy headquarters.
- Cumae was the first Greek colony on the mainland of Italy (Magna Graecia) and is perhaps most famous as the seat of the Cumaean Sibyl.
- Baiae, now lying underwater, was a fashionable coastal resort and was the site of summer villas of Julius Caesar, Nero, and Hadrian (who died there).
- The Via Appia passed through the comune of Quarto, entirely built on an extinguished crater.
- Europe's youngest mountain, Monte Nuovo is here. The WWF oasis lies beside the enormous Astroni crater.
- At Baiae, a Bacoli district the most ancient hot spring complex was built for the richest Romans. It homed the largest ancient dome in the world before the construction of the Roman Pantheon.
Patrick Moore used to cite Campi Flegrei as an example of why the impact craters on the Moon must be of volcanic origin, which was thought to be the case until the 1960s. See also Source This article has been completed with material from :it:Campi Flegrei, Wikipedia in Italian and :es:Campos Flegreos, Wikipedia in Spanish.
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