solfatara

[sohl-fuh-tahr-uh, sol-]

noun

Geology.

1. a fumarole that gives off only sulfurous gases.

solfatara

/ ˌsɒlfəˈtɑːrə /

noun

1. a volcanic vent emitting only sulphurous gases and water vapour or sometimes hot mud

Other Word Forms

• solfataric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solfatara¹

1770–80; < Italian (Neapolitan) solfatara, derivative of solfo < Latin sulfur; sulfur

Word History and Origins

Origin of solfatara¹

C18: from Italian: a sulphurous volcano near Naples, from solfo _sulphur

Example Sentences

Last September, three people visiting the Solfatara volcano crater in Pozzuoli, a popular tourist attraction near Naples, died when an 11-year-old boy wandered past a barrier and fell into a pit; his parents tried to rescue him.

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But those hot gases hold an ominous story: Solfatara is part of the massive Phlegrean Fields, a threatening supervolcano experts agree could begin erupting anytime.

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POZZUOLLI, Italy—Tragedy struck at the Solfatara volcano crater north of Naples a few weeks ago.

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Part of determining just when Solfatara or another portion of Phlegrean Fields might erupt is understanding what is under the crust.

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The boy, who reportedly entered a prohibited area at the Solfatara di Pozzuoli volcano Tuesday, is believed to have fainted after inhaling sulphuric fumes, the Guardian reports citing Italian media.

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