Modelling the effusive phase of the 1944’s Vesuvio eruption using VLAVA

The eruption of Vesuvio in 1944 commenced on the 18th of March and concluded on the 29th, encompassing both eruptive and seismic activities. After that date the activity decreased and has continued with low intensity until April 7, when the eruption was declared over, the crater was completely obstructed and the closed conduit period of the volcano began, which has lasted until now. During the paroxysm, the volcano underwent four distinct phases: effusive, lava fountaining, mixed explosions, and explosive events. In the initial phase (from the 18th to the 21st), the resulting lava field attained a total volume of 10^6 m^3 and a length of 5.6 km, distributed across various flows. The recent acquisition of a digitized pre-eruption Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the region facilitates a more accurate estimation of the thickness of the final lava field by comparing it to post-eruptive LIDAR DEM data. Utilizing VLAVA, a simulation code designed for modeling lava flow propagation over complex topography with temperature-dependent viscosity, accurate modeling of the effusive phase has been achieved. These simulations contribute to a better characterization of the 1944 Vesuvius lava flow emplacement and a deeper understanding of lava flow rates from multiple vents and the subsequent lava propagation dynamics.