Scientists say that an Italian supervolcano which last erupted in 1538 is "on the brink" of doing so again, sparking fears of a global winter. The crust of Campi Flegrei is weakening and more prone to rupturing, making an "eruption more likely", according to research published in the journal, Communications Earth & Environment.
Campi Flegrei (or Burning Fields, in Greek), is a broad region of supervolcanic calderas - a large depression which forms after a volcano erupts and collapses - situated near Naples in the south of the country. Should it erupt in a similar fashion to that of the 16th century, molten rock and volcanic gases would be launched high into the stratosphere and could lead to 100-feet high tsunamis.
As reported by the Mirror, it would also result in the spread of sulphur and toxic ash, potentially plunging the planet into a lengthy global winter, killing wildlife and crops in its wake. The site has been inactive for such a long period of time, but a recent rise in the number of earthquakes in the area - more than 600 in April alone - has left scientists gravely concerned.
