Vesuvius Today

Since the eruption in 79 A.D., Vesuvius has continued to go through cycles of eruptions and periods with no eruptions. There was one eruption that lasted from 1875 to 1906 and another that lasted from 1913 to 1944. Most recently, there has not been an eruption for over 50 years and that is the longest the volcano has been dormant since records have been kept. Many scientists feel it is overdue for a major eruption.

The cities in the area around Vesuvius have continued to be developed. There are even people who have built houses on the slopes of the volcanic mountain. That doesn’t seem like a great idea. But, they probably get an awesome view of the ocean from up there.

The population currently living in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius is estimated at anywhere from 700,000 to two million people. The risk for this population is very high. A pyroclastic flow like the ash and rock of the explosion in 79 A.D. could overtake a car that is moving over 75 miles an hour. So, no one will be outrunning an eruption if it happens. Fortunately, Vesuvius is one of the most studied volcanoes in the world. There are experts who monitor the mountain every day, recording earthquakes, seeping gases, and changes in the shape of the land.