Ground deformation measurements in active volcanic areas using tide gauges

A new method of tide gauge data analysis is described for detecting ground deformation in active volcanic areas. This method was tested in the Phlegraean Fields, an active volcanic area near Naples where, in 1970 after a large ground uplift, a dense tide-gauge network was installed. The results of the tide-gauge analysis were checked with levelling data, and a good agreement between the data sets has been found. The observational continuity of the tide-gauge network gave the time evolution of the ground deformation and showed short time oscillations. The good results obtained at the Phlegraean Fields using the tide-gauge network and the data analysis procedure are encouraging.