Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius was twice as high before the eruption of 79AD that covered Pompeii. It is still a very dangerous volcano, and the only European one to have erupted in the last hundred years.



This shot is taken from inside the old caldera of the volcano, looking at its remaining rim. After the eruption, the volcano started growing a new, smaller caldera inside the old one.


This is a view into the newer, smaller caldera from the top of its rim. The bottom is where the new eruption will explode from - eventually.


Lest we think that it's all nice and docile, the rising smoke keeps everyone on alert.


This is volcano stuff.


Turning around, the view is jaw-dropping: the entire Naples area for miles and miles around:


This is why Vesuvius is considered the most dangerous volcano in the world: three million people live just downstream from it.


Close-up of the Naples riverfront:


And one last look into the heart of Vesuvius: