THE COASTAL LAKES OF CAMPI FLEGREI: BETWEEN BIODIVERSITY AND ANTHROPIZATION

Campi Flegrei (from Greek phlegraios = burning) is a volcanic area north west of Naples, extended from Agnano crater until Cuma. Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Monte di Procida e Quarto, some northern neighboroughs of Naples. In this area there are three coastal lakes: Fusaro, Miseno, Lucrino. Our study analyses geomorphological, botanical, historicaland anthropic features of their ecosystems. Fusaro lake, between Cuma and Monte di Procida, in the Bacoli administration, is the largest in surface area (1 km2). A coastal dune with maquis is between the lake and the sea, exchanging water through three channels. It has a volcanic origin and a smaller basin size than the original crater because of the sea level rise. There are still fumaroles and gas emissions, while thermal water was discovered in the '60s. Nearby, between Monte di Procida and Capo Miseno, there is lake Miseno (also called dead sea), it was formed by the sea over-washing inside an inactive volcanic crater, separated from the sea by the later emersion od a submerged dune. Its current size is 0,4 km2, its average depth is 2,25 m and it is connected to the sea by two estuaries. Lucrino lake measures less than 0,7 km2, is connected to the sea through a 1,5 m wide channel. It is under the city of Pozzuoli administration between Averno lake, Monte Nuovo and the Stufe di Nerone spa. Depending in formation and shaping by the Campi Flegrei caldera, it shows secondary volcanic phenomena dating back to roman time when Virgilio described sulfur boiling in it. All together they form a lake-net very important for migrating and resident birds and the conservation of the flora of wet areas. Their uncommon conditions create numerous microenvironments, some harsh, determining plants communities. Some lake biosystems prolong into the coastal systems.