vésuve

Vesuvius is a stratovolcano located on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy. It is situated about nine kilometers east of Naples and a short distance from the coast. Mount Vesuvius is one of the most iconic volcanoes in the world, primarily due to its catastrophic eruption in 79 AD, which famously destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The volcano's structure is composed of various layers of ash, pumice, and lava. Vesuvius has a complex history of eruptions, ranging from small effusive flows to extremely violent explosive events. The 79 AD eruption is the most well-documented, characterized by a Plinian eruption column that reached high into the atmosphere, followed by pyroclastic flows that buried the surrounding settlements.

Despite its destructive potential, the fertile slopes of Vesuvius have historically attracted agriculture, with vineyards and orchards thriving in the rich volcanic soil. The volcano is monitored by the Vesuvius Observatory, which is dedicated to studying its activity and assessing potential risks. Vesuvius is considered a dangerous volcano due to the high population density in the surrounding areas, making evacuation planning a critical concern for authorities. Its last significant eruption occurred in 1944.