Solfatars and mud pools on the outer edge of the Solfatara crater
Avatar

Solfatars and mud pools on the outer edge of the Solfatara crater

by Wolfgang Fraedrich, Hamburg, Germany

West of the Italian metropolis Naples are the Phlegrean Fields (italian: Campi Flegrei). It is a densely populated volcanic landscape. To be precise, it is a large caldera, where numerous eruptions have created new craters. The Solfatara Crater in Pozzuoli is known for its activities, which are easy to observe. The interior of the crater is touristically developed, on predetermined paths you can walk through the crater floor. However, it is urgently necessary to follow all warning labels, because the emitted gases are not only hot, but also - especially due to the high CO2 content - deadly. At the eastern edge of the outskirts, the emitting gases also reveal an area with solfatars (small vents with emitting, sulphurous gases) and mud pools - in the immediate vicinity of a sports center with various artificial turf pitches. From a respectful distance, one can observe the tremendous power of nature.