© GettyThe volcanoes are submerged near the coast of Naples
SIX previously undiscovered volcanoes have been found off of the coast of Naples, all of which are situated close to the deadly Mt Vesuvius.
The newly found submerged volcanoes lie just three kilometres from the Gulf of Naples - home to Mt Vesuvius.
Mt Vesuvius is responsible for one of the most deadly eruptions in human history when, in 79 AD, the huge volcano erupted over the city of Pompeii, killing all 11,000 inhabitants of the ancient Roman-ruled area.
Researchers from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the University of Naples Federico II and the National Research Council discovered the new volcanoes during a campaign in 2014 to garner more information on Vesuvius, which is overdue an eruption, but information has only just been released.
INGV's Guido Ventura said: "We detected new points of carbon dioxide emissions in the Gulf of Naples, which is quite common in geothermal and volcanic areas such as Naples.
"And here we have discovered six volcanic structures (cones and domes) with a diameter of 800 meters, unknown until now."
Maurizio Fedi, professor at the University of Naples Federico II, added: "The results of this research have allowed us to determine that at least three of the detected volcanic structures were formed before 19,000 years, while one of them erupted in ancient times."
© GettyMt Vesuvius last erupted in 1944
The 4,200-foot high volcano last erupted in 1944 and usually has an eruption cycle of every 20 years, meaning that it has been building up for almost four times that amount.
It is the most densely populated volcanic region in the world, with three million people living in the nearby city of Naples.
However, it is perhaps most famous for its massive eruption in 79AD when it spewed lava so violently and at such a quick speed that it completely consumed the local cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, preserving the latter so perfectly that scientists have been able to recreate the residents last moments.
© GettyResidents of Pompeii were so well preserved following the 79 AD eruption
Comment: There has been a sharp rise in observable volcanic activity on our planet's surface in recent times. However, the vast majority of the planet's volcanoes are located underwater (up to one million is estimated).
Unprecedented marine heatwaves could be attributed to increased quantities of CO2, methane outgassing and heat coming up from below, i.e. passing up through the oceans from within the planet, heating and acidifying the planet's oceans.
Such activity may be a significant contributory factor to the increasing number of bizarre, odd (perhaps even mutated species), previously unknown and mysterious creatures being discovered recently, together with increases in abnormal animal and marine behavior. All over the world such 'strange' and 'unusual' incidents are quickly becoming the norm, as are mass fish die offs.