Italian 'Super Volcano' May Threaten Millions: Scientists plan to drill deep below Romans'...

Newser ^ | Monday, August 06, 2012 | Rob Quinn

[SunkenCiv]

A hidden "super volcano" near Pompeii threatens an eruption that could make Vesuvius look like a picnic, scientists warn. The Phlegraean Fields zone of intense seismic activity -- which the ancient Romans believed was the gateway to hell -- could doom millions of people in the Naples area if it erupts, Reuters reports. Scientists plan to drill more than two miles below its surface to monitor any signs of a pending eruption in the huge chamber of molten rock, but some experts fear that the drilling itself could trigger an earthquake or eruption.

Areas like the Phlegraean fields "can give rise to the only eruptions that can have global catastrophic effects comparable to major meteorite impacts" like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, says the chief of the drilling project. The drilling, he says, will increase by up to 10,000 times "our ability to detect small episodes that are precursors of future eruptions." He considers those who fear the drilling "ill-informed," noting that projects seeking sources of thermal energy sent down dozens of less secure probes decades ago without incident.

[Kartographer]

"Scientists plan to drill more than two miles below its surface to monitor any signs of a pending eruption in the huge chamber of molten rock, but some experts fear that the drilling itself could trigger an earthquake or eruption."

[jyro]

drilling has caused eruptions before.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci/tech/7699672.stm

[dfwgator]

[Liberty Valance]

"Scientists plan to drill more than two miles below its surface to monitor any signs of a pending eruption in the huge chamber of molten rock, but some experts fear that the drilling itself could trigger an earthquake or eruption."

[Mike Darancette]

Drilling down into a magma pool? Here, hold mah beer.

[CtBigPat]

Hold-a my wine and-a watch-a dis!

[Ezekiel]

A hidden "super volcano" near Pompeii threatens an eruption that could make Vesuvius look like a picnic

One as impressive as this simile? That's quite a spread. /s

And come on, everyone knows that the threshold of hell is Clark Griswold's house at Christmas.

[Monkey Face]

We’re DOMED!

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

” noting that projects seeking sources of thermal energy sent down dozens of less secure probes decades ago without incident.”

My Uncle was very involved in that project. It was around Yellowstone.

[colorado tanker]

Sir Richard and Tom Hanks are ready to go!

[SunkenCiv]

http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DWvufFwdqMzg
http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DVpFITa9eYoQ

[Lazamataz]

Drilling overheated, under-extreme-pressure magma, in an area prone to explosive and deadly eruptions.....

..... what could POSSIBLY go wrong???!?

[The Cajun]

Drilling overheated, under-extreme-pressure magma, in an area prone to explosive and deadly eruptions.....

Ya forgot probably H2S or worse present.

[Cyber Liberty]

..... what could POSSIBLY go wrong???!?

You are such a nattering nabob of negativism. Now let's pop some corn and watch.

[SunkenCiv]

North American fracking is to blame.

[SunkenCiv]

In their favor, they seem to have 4000 years of history of bouncing back.