An international team of researchers joins a new oceanographic mission in the Aegean Sea to explore its underwater volcanic centers Santorini and its submarine fault Amorgosto understand the geological processes that can cause landslides, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis, but also to develop early warning systems to enhance the security of coastal areas.

The MSM132 oceanographic mission is headed by GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research of Kiel in Germany, while the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens also collaborates. The researchers, who are on board the German research vessel “MARIA S. MERIAN”, will pay special attention to the underwater active volcano of Columbus, which has erupted in 1650 after a year of intense seismic activity.

There are four central questions on which the scientists will focus their research.

Can earthquakes cause landslides?

Researchers are using high-resolution bathymetric maps and seismic measurements to assess whether tectonic movements could destabilize the slopes of the Columbus undersea volcano, causing it to collapse.

How does volcanic activity affect volcano stability?

The international scientific team is mapping the intense hydrothermal activity inside Columbus Crater, where hot water and gases are altering the rocks. The goal is to identify weak points in the volcanic structure that could lead to potential geohazards.

What is the relationship between earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?

2D and 3D seismic imaging will explore how faulting and volcanic processes interact, a critical factor in understanding potential extreme geological events.

How can volcanic activity be detected early?

Researchers are testing an innovative early warning system that uses state-of-the-art seafloor sensors to collect real-time data on earthquakes, ground motions and volcanic gases. This technology is designed to enable reliable monitoring of underwater volcanoes.

“The multi-year collaboration of the scientific team of the University of Athens in marine research with the German institutes in the volcanic field of Santorini has led to the successful approval of an ambitious research program to understand and monitor extreme marine geohazards with the aim of early warning to the inhabitants,” he describes at APE-MPE the professor of Geological Oceanography of the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Legal Fridaywhich participates in the oceanographic expedition and has been studying the Columbus undersea volcano since 2001.

As she explains, during the oceanographic mission, modern underwater seismographs will be installed, which are equipped with special sensors to measure the seismicity of the space, ground movements and the physicochemical parameters of the water. Also, 3D and 2D seismic imaging of the Amorgos submarine fault that was activated in 1956 and had devastating consequences for Santorini will be carried out, while a detailed photo mosaic of the active hydrothermal field of Columbus will be created using new innovative underwater robots. “The results of the marine research will be combined with the measurements of the SANTORY underwater observatory, which is led by EKPA”, adds Mrs. Legal.

Regarding the selection of the area for conducting the MSM132 mission, the chief scientist, prof Christian Byrd (Christian Berndt), who heads the Marine Geodynamics Research Unit of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research in Kiel, notes in a related announcement that “the area has a history of numerous volcanic eruptions, some of which were particularly explosive in the past.”

The oceanographic mission MSM132 is the first of three planned oceanographic missions to be carried out within the framework of the research program “MULTI-MAREX”, which studies marine extremes and natural hazards in the Mediterranean region. Under the guidance of Professor Dr Heidrun Kopp, 50 researchers from various disciplines are working together to reduce the risks of marine geohazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. “MULTI-MAREX” combines innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems and underwater communication tools, with social cooperation at the local level. The aim is to improve risk prediction, strengthen early warning systems and develop strong protection measures together with authorities and local communities.

This project is one of the four projects of the third research mission of the German research alliance “mareXtreme- Pathways to Improved Risk Management for Marine Extreme Events and Natural Hazards”, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the five northern german states.