Evidences of the structures controlling the unrest in Campi Flegrei, Italy; Joint interpretation of ambient noise and local earthquake tomography

Abstract

Campi Flegrei is one of the largest active calderas exhibiting several episodes of unrest since historical times. These episodes are characterized by numerous earthquakes and significant soil uplifts, often reaching several centimeters or even meters within each cycle. Seismicity in this region rises substantial concern, as it is a primary precursor to potential volcanic eruptions. Additionally, the intense urbanization of the area amplifies the seismic and volcanic risk increasing the population concern. The last unrest phase began in 2006 and is still ongoing. It is accompanied by a large number of earthquakes mainly concentrated beneath the Solfatara-Pisciarelli system, accompanied by the increment of gas emission in Pisciarelli and significant variations in geochemical and geophysical parameters.

In this study we present two classes of seismic models generated using passive methods employing earthquakes recorded from 2005 to November 2023 and continuous ambient noise recorded at 20 stations between 2012 and 2021. These models reveal the existence of high P-wave velocity bodies within the caldera: one onshore, located between the port of Pozzuoli and Solfatara, and another offshore, located a few kilometers south of Pozzuoli. The body beneath Pozzuoli and Solfatara lies at 3.0 km deep, exhibiting high Vp/Vs ratios suggesting it is rich in fluids and possibly contributing to the current unrest. Ambient noise tomography shows that both anomalous bodies are linked to the structures at the edge of the resurgence block forming the central part of the coast of the Pozzuoli Gulf, which is responsible for the uplift of the marine terraces. These findings suggest that the peripheral structures may influence the upward fluid migration, playing a role in the sustaining the ongoing unrest.