Italy is home to some of the world's most active and studied volcanoes, which represent a natural laboratory of exceptional scientific value but also a significant source of risk for densely populated areas. The Networks on Volcanoes are multidisciplinary monitoring infrastructures, specifically designed to survey the activity of these complex geological systems and to understand their operational mechanisms.
These networks, enhanced and integrated through the PNRR MEET project, are the result of decades of research and technological development. They combine various investigation methods to capture every slight variation in a volcano's state, from the movement of magma at depth to gas emissions at the surface.
The raw data and continuous observations (DPL 0-1) acquired by these networks are essential for the surveillance activities conducted by volcanological observatories and form the basis for scientific research. The processing of this primary data allows the scientific community to develop high-value-added products (DPL 2-3), such as interpretive models of eruptive processes and hazard scenarios.
A Multidisciplinary and Multi-parameter Approach
Effective volcano monitoring is based on the integration of data from different disciplines. For this reason, each volcanic area is monitored by a complex set of instrumental networks, which include:
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Seismic Networks: To detect micro-seismicity related to rock fracturing and the movement of magmatic fluids.
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Geodetic Networks (GNSS and Tiltmetric): To measure ground deformation, which is a direct indicator of the pressurization of the magmatic system.
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Geochemical Networks: To analyze the composition and flux of gases emitted from fumaroles and the soil, reflecting changes in the deep magma.
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Other Networks: These include systems for thermal monitoring (thermal cameras), infrasound (to detect explosions), and gravimetry, which provide additional parameters for a comprehensive assessment of the volcano's state.
The Monitored Volcanic Areas
The monitoring infrastructures are concentrated on the main active and quiescent volcanic areas of the national territory, each with its own specific characteristics and surveillance needs:
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Phlegraean Fields and Vesuvius: two areas of very high volcanic risk due to their proximity to large and densely populated urban centers, monitored with extremely dense and technologically advanced networks.
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Etna: one of the most active volcanoes in the world, whose persistent activity requires continuous, real-time monitoring.
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Aeolian Islands: a volcanic arc that includes volcanoes with very different eruptive styles, such as Stromboli (persistent activity) and Vulcano (a state of unrest with active degassing), inherently requiring multidisciplinary monitoring approaches.
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Pantelleria and the Sicily Channel: areas of submarine and insular volcanism that require specific monitoring techniques.
The IPSES platform offers integrated access to the data and products from these complex infrastructures, supporting volcanological research and contributing to a more effective assessment and mitigation of volcanic risk.