Tsunami hazard and risk evaluation in the Gulf of Naples: state of the art and perspectives

Tsunami hazard in the Gulf of Naples is mostly related to the activity of the main volcanic structures found in the area (Vesuvius, Phlegrean Fields, Ischia) and also far to the south (Stromboli). Historical information as well as numerical scenarios indicate that the tsunami hazard for the Gulf of Naples is not at all negligible. Combining this with the high vulne-rability related to the huge population density and the very complex urbanization, it turns out that the tsunami risk assessment for the area is a problem whose treatment cannot be delayed any further. We summarize the state of the art on the tsunami hazard assessment and indicate some possible strategies to be followed in the near future.