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Vesuvius Volcan

Updated: 22 mai 2025 17:59 GMT -
Stratovolcano
Italie, 40.82°N / 14.43°E
Summit height: 1281 m
Condition actuelle: normal / en sommeil (1 sur 5)
Last update: 8 juil. 2024
Vesuvius volcano near Naples, Italy, seen from the air. The rim of the remnant of the older Somma volcano which collapsed in the 79 AD Plinian eruption is clearly visible to the left of the new Cono Grande cone with its crater.
Vesuvius volcano near Naples, Italy, seen from the air. The rim of the remnant of the older Somma volcano which collapsed in the 79 AD Plinian eruption is clearly visible to the left of the new Cono Grande cone with its crater.

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Style éruptif tipique: Mainly explosive. I detail, Vesuvius has 4 typical types of eruptions:
1. Plinian (such as the 79 AD Pompeii eruption): extremely large explosive eruptions producing several to several tens of cubic km of magma in a very short time.
2. Sub-Plinian explosive eruptions (such as the 1631 eruption). They are similar in style, but smaller than true Plinian events.
3. Strombolian and Vulcanian eruptions (several examples during the 1631-1944 period, e.g. 1906 and 1944). Such eruptions produce local heavy tephra falls, small pyroclastic flows, as well as large fire fountains and lava flows.
4. The smallest, but most frequent type of activity observed at Vesuvius is persistent Strombolian to Hawaiian-style activity that prevailed during much of the period between 1631 and 1944. This activity is usually limited to the central crater, and sometimes to flank vents. Lava flows and lava fountains have been frequently observed during such periods of activity.
Eruptions du volcan Vesuvius: 1796 - 1822, 1824 - 1834, 1835 - 1839, 1841 - 16 February 1850, 1854 - 1855, 1855 - 1861, 1864 - 1868, 1870 - 1872, 1875 - 1906, 1913 - 4 April 1944

Derniers séismes proches

Date et l'heureMag / Prof.Distance / Lieux
22 mai 15:23 (Temps Universel)
0.1

1 km
24 km à l'ouest Italy: Flegrei Info
22 mai 08:54 (Temps Universel)
0.1

0 km
3 km à l'est Italy: Vesuvio Info
22 mai 04:42 (Temps Universel)
0.1

0.1 km
0.3 km au nord-est Italy: Vesuvio Info
22 mai 03:21 (Temps Universel)
0.1

1.8 km
27 km au sud Italy: Vesuvio Info
22 mai 00:08 (Temps Universel)
0.6

2 km
24 km à l'ouest Italy: Flegrei Info
mercredi, 21 mai 2025 GMT (2 séismes)
21 mai 16:41 (Temps Universel)
0.1

0.8 km
11 km à l'ouest Flegrei Info
21 mai 16:17 (Temps Universel)
1.0

1.7 km
24 km à l'ouest Campi Flegrei Info
mercredi, 14 mai 2025 GMT (2 séismes)
14 mai 14:23 (GMT +2)
2.5

1.7 km
23 km à l'ouest Campi Flegrei Info
14 mai 14:23 (GMT +2)
3.1

2.5 km
24 km à l'ouest Campi Flegrei 34 reportsInfo

Introduction

Vesuvius ("Vesuvio" in Italian) is probably not only the most famous, but also one, if not the most dangerous volcano on Earth. The first eyewitness account of a volcanic eruption that has been preserved has come to us from Vesuvius: In 79 AD, after a century-long slumber, the volcano woke up with terrifying power in an eruption that buried several Roman towns like Pompeii and Herculaneum under several meters of ash. Today, parts of these cities have been excavated and are among the most remarkable archaeological sites of the world, allowing us to have an excellent view on Roman life and culture, where time and life had been frozen in a moment.

Geologically, Mt. Vesuvius, or more correctly the Somma-Vesuvius complex, is about 400,000 years old, as dating of lava sampled drilled from over 1,300 m depth have shown. Present-day Vesuvius is a medium-sized typical stratovolcano volcano reaching a height of 1,281 m a.s.l. It comprises the older volcano, the Somma, whose summit collapsed (likely during the 79 AD eruption), creating a caldera, and the younger volcano, Vesuvius, which since then has re-grown inside this caldera and formed a new cone. Although in a dormant phase at present, Vesuvius is an extremely active volcano and particular for its unusually varied style of activity: it ranges from Hawaiian-style emission of very liquid lava, extreme lava fountains, lava lakes and lava flows, over Strombolian and Vulcanian eruptions to violently explosive, Plinian eruptions that produce large pyroclastic flows.

When one thinks about Vesuvius volcano today, one aspect is eminent: due to the dense population surrounding it, and ever climbing higher and higher up on its slopes, it is certainly among Earth's most dangerous volcanoes. It is estimated that ore than 500,000 people live in the zone immediately threatened by a future eruption. When this happens is not known; it is possible that Vesuvius has entered into one of its typically century-long lasting phases of dormancy, but volcanoes can be unpredictable. The situation in the Gulf of Naples is further complicated by the presence of another highly active, and potentially as dangerous volcano: the Campi Flegrei, located immediately under a large part of the modern city of Naples proper.

Vesuvius Volcano Photos

Éruptions volcaniques importantes: volcano Vesuvius

In the past 10,000 years, Vesuvius has had at least 54 confirmed volcanic eruptions, out of which 46 are documented by historical records, while the others can be inferred from geological evidence.
Additionally, there are 7 uncertain or discredited eruptions from Vesuvius volcano.
The table below lists all known eruptions (date in bold face) of Vesuvius volcano since around 1700. Updates on the most recent volcanic activity of Vesuvius can be found on the news page of Vesuvius volcano.
DateNoteVEIMortsDommages
1913 Jul 5 - 1944 Avr 4Summit and upper flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1944 Mar 27
(éruption 1913 Jul 5 - 1944 Avr 4)
Obs./docs historiques
227
inconnu
Infos
1875 Déc 18 - 1906 Avr 22Summit and upper flanks
Obs./docs historiques
4?
inconnu
1906 Avr 4
(éruption 1875 Déc 18 - 1906 Avr 22)
Tsunami enregistré
Obs./docs historiques
3350
inconnu
Infos
1905 Mar 10
(éruption 1875 Déc 18 - 1906 Avr 22)
Obs./docs historiques
21
inconnu
Infos
?? 1874 Jan
Éruption incertaine
1
inconnu
1873
(épisode éruptif 1873)
Obs./docs historiques
09
inconnu
Infos
1870 Déc - 1872 Avr 30Summit and upper NW and south flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1872 Avr 24
(éruption 1870 Déc - 1872 Avr 30)
Obs./docs historiques
39
inconnu
Infos
1864 Fév 10 - 1868 Nov 26Summit and upper SE flank
Obs./docs historiques
2
inconnu
1855 Déc 19 - 1861 Déc 31Summit and SW flank (300-225 m)
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1854 Déc 14 - 1855 Mai 27Summit and upper N flank
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1841 Sep 20 - 1850 Fév 16Summit, upper N and E flanks
Obs./docs historiques
2
inconnu
1835 Jan - 1839 Jan 3Summit, upper east and west flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1824 Jul 2 - 1834 Sep 2Summit, upper E and S flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1796 Jan - 1822 Nov 16Summit and upper flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3?
inconnu
1813 Mai
(épisode éruptif 1813 Mai)
Tsunami enregistré
Obs./docs historiques
2
inconnu
Infos
1805 Août 11
(éruption 1796 Jan - 1822 Nov 16)
Obs./docs historiques
24
inconnu
Infos
1783 Août 18 - 1794 Jul 5Summit and SW flank (550-300 m)
Obs./docs historiques
3?
inconnu
1794 Jun 15
(éruption 1783 Août 18 - 1794 Jul 5)
Obs./docs historiques
3400
lourd
Infos
1770 Fév 15 - 1779 Oct 4 ?Summit, N, NE, SE and E flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3?
inconnu
1779 Août 8
(éruption 1770 Fév 15 - 1779 Oct 4 ?)
Obs./docs historiques
21-50 (*)
inconnu
Infos
1764 - 1767 Oct 27Summit, upper SW, SE, and NNW flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1744 Nov - 1761 Jan 6Summit, upper SE, E and lower S flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1742 - 1743
Obs./docs historiques
1
inconnu
1732 Déc 25 - 1737 Jun 4Summit and SW flank
Obs./docs historiques
3?
inconnu
1737 Mai 20
(éruption 1732 Déc 25 - 1737 Jun 4)
Obs./docs historiques
22
modéré
Infos
1724 Sep 4 - 1730 Avr 1 ?
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1708 Août 14 - 1723 Jul 8Summit, upper east and south flanks
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
1714 Jun 30Tsunami enregistré
Obs./docs historiques
0
inconnu
1701 Jul 1 - 1707 Août 22Summit and SW flank
Obs./docs historiques
3
inconnu
(*) Chiffres estimés
Remark:
Our list of volcanic eruptions closely follows the database of eruptions of the Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Project (GVP), the internationally most recognized data source for volcanic eruptions, but also includes significant eruptive episodes or related volcano events. "Volcanic eruptions" are usually to be understood as sequences of individual eruptive episodes that can follow each other, or even overlap (if several vents are involved), and can last many years, decades or even longer. For example, the current activity of Stromboli volcano is understood as a single eruption that has been ongoing since 1934.
Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Global Significant Volcanic Eruptions Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K | Global Volcanism Project / Smithsonian Institution

Vesuvius Volcano FAQ

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Dernières images satellite

Vesuvius image satellite sat1Vesuvius image satellite sat2
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15 jours d'expédition du Vésuve à l’Etna
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3-17 oct. 2025
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8-day tour in the Bay of Naples: Vesuvius, Pompeii, Erculaneum, Phlegrean Fields, and Ischia Island
8 days / 7 nights - Facile-Modérée
Prix 3250 €
Mai or June 2024

Vesuvius Volcan Cartes

Below is a selection of maps showing the location and surroundings of the volcano at various resolutions based on aerial-imagery / terrain maps. Feel free to use them for non-commercial purposes on your blog or website as long as you credit them with a link back to this page (click to copy it).
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (world scale)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (world scale)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale large)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale small)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (region scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale large)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale large)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale medium)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale medium)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale small)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (local scale small)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 10s of km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 20-40 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Terrain-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of approx. 10-20 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of 5-10 km)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of few kilometers)
Satellite/aerial-type map of Vesuvius volcano (scale of few kilometers)
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Le volcan Vésuve menaçant sur la ville et le golfe de Naples.
Le volcan Vésuve menaçant sur la ville et le golfe de Naples.
Le Vésuve en éruption en Août 1779. Cette éruption a produit de spectaculaires fontaines de lave s'élevant à plusieurs kilomètres au-dessus du sommet, et des chutes dévastatrices de téphras dans le NE du volcan. Notez les grandes bombes incandescentes dans les retombées (Image de Alfano et Friedlaender, 1928, La storia del Vesuvio. Napoli: K Holm, 71p.)
Le Vésuve en éruption en Août 1779. Cette éruption a produit de spectaculaires fontaines de lave s'élevant à plusieurs kilomètres au-dessus du sommet, et des chutes dévastatrices de téphras dans le NE du volcan. Notez les grandes bombes incandescentes dans les retombées (Image de Alfano et Friedlaender, 1928, La storia del Vesuvio. Napoli: K Holm, 71p.)

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