A powerful series of earthquakes at Campi Flegrei, a massive supervolcano in Italy, has raised fresh concerns among scientists about the risk of a major eruption.
In May, the Phlegraean Fields near Naples was shaken by a magnitude 4.4 earthquake, the strongest in 40 years.
Over the past six months, scientists have recorded more than 3,000 smaller quakes, known as tremors, a figure far above normal seismic activity for the area.
Experts say eruptions are usually preceded with the increase in earthquake activity, as underground pressure builds up.
These small quakes can weaken the rock above the volcano's magma chamber, making it easier for magma to push through. Think of it like steam building in a pressure cooker, if the lid gets too weak, it could blow.
Geologists have also observed a sharp rise in gases being released from the volcano, another warning sign.
Adding to the alarm, carbon dioxide emissions from Campi Flegrei have surged, with Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reporting daily levels between 4,000 and 5,000 tons.
Experts say increased gas emissions often mean magma is moving closer to the surface, putting more pressure on the volcano.
According to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), magma is now just a few miles below the surface, a shallow depth that raises more concern.
If pressure continues to build, it could trigger an eruption with little warning, especially with all the recent quakes and gas releases.
Christopher R. J. Kilburn, leading volcanologist of IGNV said: 'Distinguishing between gas emissions caused by magma movement versus those resulting from natural rock interactions is absolutely critical.'
Campi Flegrei poses a serious threat to over four million people living in the metropolitan area of Naples.
If it erupts, the damage could be widespread. Buildings could be destroyed by lava flows, ash clouds, and fast-moving hot gases.
A new study led by Gianmarco Buono, a PhD student at University of Naples Federico II shows that about 80 percent of the carbon dioxide released from the Solfatara crater comes directly from magma beneath the Earth's surface.
This means the magma is letting out gases, which is a strong sign it might be moving closer to the surface. The other 20 percent of the gas comes from hot fluids reacting with underground rocks, a natural process that doesn't always mean an eruption is coming.
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