History of Eruptions

The volcano has erupted more than 50 times since its first recorded eruption in 79 AD. The volcano is listed as being currently active, although it has remained dormant since 1944.

Below is a list of the eruptive history of the volcano. Included are the dates, type of eruption ( which will be discussed later), and comments on the effects of the eruption.

Beginning of Eruption

Eruption Type

Notes

79

explosive

Ash-fall, pumices and lahars

472

effusive-explosive

Lava flow and lahars to north-western flank

512

???

-----

26 February 685

effusive

Imposing lava flow

787

effusive-explosive

Lahars and imposing lava flow

968

???

Lava flow to sea

27 January 1037

???

Lava flow to sea

29 May 1139

explosive

Ash-fall

1500

explosive

Ash-fall

16 December 1631

effusive-explosive

Cone collapse; lava flow to sea

3 July 1660

explosive

Ash-fall to north-east flank

13 April 1694

effusive

Lava toward Torre del Greco

25 May 1698

effusive-explosive

Damage by ash-fall to south-east flank

28 July 1707

effusive-explosive

-----

20 May 1737

effusive-explosive

A lava flow invades T. del Greco; ash-fall and lahars

23 December 1760

effusive-explosive

Opening of lateral vents on southern flank (150 m asl)

19 October 1767

effusive-explosive

Two lava flows toward T.Annunziata. and S. Giorgio a Cremano

8 August 1779

explosive

Ash and bombs over Ottaviano

15 June 1794

effusive-explosive

Opening of lateral vents on south-western flank (470 m asl)

22 October 1822

effusive-explosive

Two lava flows toward T. del Greco and Boscotrecase

23 August 1834

effusive-explosive

A lava flow toward Poggiomarino

6 February 1850

effusive-explosive

-----

1 May 1855

effusive

A lava flow invades Massa and S.Sebastiano

8 December 1861

effusive-explosive

Opening of lateral vents on south-western flank (290 m asl)

15 November 1868

effusive

-----

24 April 1872

effusive-explosive

A lava flow invades Massa and S.Sebastiano

4 April 1906

effusive-explosive

A lava flow toward T.Annunziata, strong explosive activity

3 June 1929

effusive-explosive

A lava flow toward Terzigno

18 March 1944

effusive-explosive

A lava flow invades Massaand S.Sebastiano

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