The numerous fumeroles on the island of Ischia emit superheated radioactive water vapors caused by molten lava deep within the earth. Some of these emissions contain carbon dioxide and sulfur, as well as traces of sulfuric and hydrochloric acid. Temperatures reach as high as 100 C, hot enough to cook foil-wrapped potatoes, chicken or eggs; bury them in the sand of the beach, they're done in about an hour. An old-timer from Buonopane once said that eons ago the volcano of Ischia rose roaring and flaming from the sea, and in time it will descend right back into it. Tomorrow, perhaps, or in a thousand years.
