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Image GVP-01531

Mount Vesuvius behind city of Naples. The modern cone of Vesuvius is flanked on the left by Monte Somma, the rim of a caldera that formed about 17,000 years ago. Eight major explosive eruptions have occurred since, including the 79 CE eruption that destroyed Pompeii and other towns. A period of frequent, long-duration eruptions began in 1631 and the latest eruption of Vesuvius was in 1944. Photo by Dan Dzurisin, 1983 (U.S. Geological Survey).

Mount Vesuvius behind city of Naples. The modern cone of Vesuvius is flanked on the left by Monte Somma, the rim of a caldera that formed about 17,000 years ago. Eight major explosive eruptions have occurred since, including the 79 CE eruption that destroyed Pompeii and other towns. A period of frequent, long-duration eruptions began in 1631 and the latest eruption of Vesuvius was in 1944.

Photo by Dan Dzurisin, 1983 (U.S. Geological Survey).

Creative Commons Icon This image is made available as a Public Domain Work, but proper attribution is appreciated.

Keywords: stratovolcano | caldera


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