History of the exploitation of thermo-mineral resources in Campi Flegrei and Ischia, Italy

Thermo-mineral springs are widely spread over the volcanic areas of Campi Flegrei and Ischia, and on the western side of the city of Naples. Their use has, since long, been known by local inhabitants because they were one of the main curative therapies in the past. The fortune and use of the thermal springs have been affected by the volcanic eruptions that occurred in different times in these areas. The exploitation of geothermal springs in Campi Flegrei suffered a decisive decline after the eruption of Monte Nuovo in 1538. Conversely, after that eruption, in Ischia Island there was a progressive increase of the use of thermal spring therapy. The use of geothermal resources for electric generation has not been implemented in Campi Flegrei because of the difficulty in using hypersaline fluids, whereas in Ischia, local authorities preferred only the development of touristic activity based on geothermal springs.

► Geothermal resources have been exploited in Campi Flegrei and Ischia Island, in Italy since Roman time. ► The exploitation of the thermomineral resources has largely influenced the economic growth of these areas. ► The rise and fall have been affected by volcanic eruptions that occurred in the areas.