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The thermal signature of Aso Volcano (Nakadake) during unrest episodes has been analyzed by combining the MODIS-MIROVA data set (2000–2017) with high-resolution images (LANDSAT 8 OLI and Sentinel 2) and ground-based thermal observations (2013–2017). The site of major activity (crater 1) is located at the summit of the volcano and is composed by a fumarole field (located in the South Area) and an acidic lake (replaced by a Central Pit during Strombolian phases). The volcanic radiative power (VRP) obtained by nighttime satellite data during the reference period was mainly below 3 MW. This thermal threshold marks the transition from high fumarole activity (HFA) to Strombolian eruptions (SE). However, periods characterized by sporadic phreatic eruptions (PE, eventually bearing phreatomagmatic episodes), which is the prevalent phase during unrest episodes, exhibit very low VRP values, being around 0.5 MW, or below. The statistical analysis of satellite data shows that the transition from HFA to Strombolian activity (which started on August 2014 and ceased in May 2015) occurs when VRP values are above the cited 3 MW threshold. In particular during marked Strombolian phases (November–December 2014), the radiative power was higher than 4 MW, reaching peak values up to 15.6 MW (on December 7, 2014, i.e., 10 days after the major Strombolian explosion of November 27). Conversely, ground-based measurements show that heat fluxes recorded by FLIR T440 Thermo-camera on the fumarole field of the South Area has been relatively stable around 2 MW until February 2015. Their apparent temperatures were fluctuating around 490–575 °C before the major Strombolian explosive event, whereas those recorded at the active vent, named Central Pit, reached their maxima slightly above 600 °C; then both exhibited a decreasing trend in the following days. During the Strombolian activity, the crater lake dried out and was then replenished by early July, 2016. Then, volcanic activity shifted back to phreatic–phreatomagmatic and the eruptive cycle was completed. During this period, the MIROVA system detected very few thermal alerts and the ground-based measurements were fluctuating around 1 MW. The most violent explosion occurred on October 8, 2016, and within the following weeks measured VRP were moderately above 2 MW. This is coeval with a thermal increase at the fumarole field of the South Area, with temperatures well above 300 °C. Thermal monitoring at Aso Volcano is an additional tool in volcano surveillance that may contribute to near-real-time hazard assessment.

Seismic tomography can be used to image the spatial variation of rock properties within complex geological media such as volcanoes. Solfatara is a volcano located within the Campi Flegrei, a still active caldera, so it is of major importance to characterize its level of activity and potential danger. In this light, a 3D tomographic high-resolution P-wave velocity image of the shallow central part of Solfatara crater is obtained using first arrival times and a multiscale approach. The retrieved images, integrated with the resistivity section and temperature and the CO2 flux measurements, define the following characteristics: 1. A depth-dependent P-wave velocity layer down to 14 m, with Vp 2 degassing; 2. An intermediate layer, deepening towards the mineralized liquid-saturated area (Fangaia), interpreted as permeable deposits saturated with condensed water; 3. A deep, confined high velocity anomaly associated with a CO 2 reservoir. These features are expression of an area located between the Fangaia, water saturated and replenished from deep aquifers, and the main fumaroles, superficial relief of the deep rising CO2 flux. Therefore, the changes in the outgassing rate greatly affect the shallow hydrothermal system, which can be used as a “mirror” of fluid migration processes occurring at depth.

We have applied a tomographic imaging technique to the inversion of a DInSAR data set at Campi Flegrei caldera. This technique allowed us to determine the temporal and spatial distribution of volumetric strain sources up to 5 km depth. Results have shown complex spatial and temporal patterns, identifying important features that were not noticed before. The first result is the observation of positive strain sources (expansion) migrating upward (in 2000 and 2006). We have interpreted them as hot fluid batches injected at the bottom of the geothermal reservoir, migrating upward and reaching the surface. Furthermore we have identified an injection episode (in 1997), which was not recognized before. This batch did not reach the surface and probably dissipated by diffusion and lateral advection without producing significant ground uplift. The injection of fluid batches does not occur at the center of the caldera, but along its borders. The three identified injection episodes (in 1997, 2000 and 2006) occur in different points. In 2000 and 2006, the injected fluids migrated, subsequently, toward the center of the caldera. Our findings agrees with results of other geophysical and geochemical studies. These results suggest a new framework for the modeling of Campi Flegrei geothermal system and for the interpretation of data recorded by the multiparametric monitoring networks on the caldera.