An active volcano in southern Italy, Mount Vesuvius is famous for an eruption that happened in AD 79. Thousands of people died when lava, ashes, and mud buried the towns of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae. The towns were forgotten until items from them began to be uncovered in the 18th century. Mount Vesuvius rises above the Bay of Naples on the plain of Campania. It stands about 4,198 feet (1,280 meters), but the height changes after each major eruption. A high, semicircular ridge known as Mount Somma partly surrounds the main cone of Vesuvius. The area between the ridge and the cone is known as Valle del Gigante (Giant's Valley). At the top of the cone is a large crater about 1,000 feet (300 meters) deep and 2,000 feet (600 meters) across. Scientists believe that Mount Vesuvius was formed about 200,000 years ago. Vesuvius was dormant (inactive) for centuries before the disaster of AD 79. Since then the volcano has erupted many times. A major eruption in 1631 killed about 3,000 people and darkened the skies for days. Another big eruption in 1794 destroyed the village of Torre del Greco. In 1906 an eruption killed hundreds of people and reduced the volcano's height by several hundred feet. In 1944 another powerful surge raised the height by about 500 feet (150 meters) and widened the top crater. More than 2 million people live in the area of Vesuvius and on its lower slopes. Substances released from the volcano have made vineyards and orchards thrive. But scientists keep a close watch on Vesuvius. The temperature at the mouth of the volcano is measured daily. Readings far above 1,000° F (540° C) are common. Rising temperatures may warn of future eruptions. |