Description and objectives

The VOLC-LAPSE Project aims to develop a model that links petrological evidence to volcano-tectonic processes in order to improve the assessment of volcanic hazard and support institutional decision-makers in volcanic risk mitigation.

As a case study, the 2021 eruptive event that occurred on La Palma Island (Canary Islands) has been selected.

The ultimate goal of the VOLC-LAPSE Project is to develop an integrated model that connects ground deformation observations with the dynamics occurring within the feeding system of volcanic edifices prior to eruptions. To achieve the project objectives, research activities have been divided into two integrated Research Lines, namely:

“Determination of magma chamber dynamics and timing of volcanic eruptions” (Research Line 1), and

“Timing of deformation in active volcanoes” (Research Line 2).

These two research lines, together with the Work Packages (WPs), correspond to those described in the project proposal and are summarized in the conceptual diagram shown in Figure 1.

Specifically, the two Research Lines share WP1 and WP2, which concern preliminary investigations (WP1) and fieldwork activities (WP2), respectively. Subsequently, the two research lines proceed in parallel, focusing on studies related to Petrology and Volcanology (WP3) and Volcano-Tectonics (WP4). The research developed within WP3 and WP4 then converges in WP5, aimed at defining an integrated model combining petro-volcanological and volcano-tectonic investigations. Finally, WP6 is dedicated to the communication and dissemination of results.

Each WP is structured into specific tasks, summarized in the timeline presented in Figure 2, as described in the project proposal.