Active Volcanoes and Climate Hotspots: An Interdisciplinary Exploration on Nisyros

Volcanoes serve as natural geological laboratories, providing scientists from various disciplines, as well as young researchers and students, the chance to observe active endogenous processes up close. They can explore the different volcanic formations that compose its geological history and listen to the Earth's dynamic processes. 

The island of Nisyros, an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp), located in the southeastern part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc in the Aegean Sea, features sites of exceptional geological significance, including hydrothermal craters and volcanic domes. These features highlight the region's active volcanic history, as an ideal model for similar volcanic regions worldwide. To raise awareness about geological diversity, potential volcanic hazards, and climate change, a series of interactive courses, including hands-on workshops and educational lectures, will be held during this 5-day CIVIS project on Nisyros Island, Greece. 

To ensure a cohesive learning experience, the program has been carefully designed around an integrative framework that connects geology, volcanology, climatology, oceanography and human geography. A central focus on the interplay between Earth's dynamic systems and their influence on society will guide all teaching activities, facilitating interdisciplinary learning and cross-sectoral dialogue. This approach will enable students to see the interconnectedness of geological phenomena, climatic challenges, and societal adaptation strategies. 

The South Aegean Volcanic Arc shaped by numerous volcanic eruptions over the past 5 million years, has left significant imprints on both terrestrial and marine environments, providing a dramatic backdrop for this learning experience. Nisyros, one of the youngest active volcanic structures in Greece, boasts spectacular geological formations that showcase the volcano's evolutionary stages. Notable geomorphological landmarks include the iconic collapse caldera and hydrothermal craters. Currently, volcanic activity is dormant, but the area exhibits high geological activity and a significant hydrothermal system, evidenced by gaseous emissions from fumaroles at temperatures of 96–100°C and several hot springs ranging from 30 to 60°C.

Regarding climate change, Greece, as part of the eastern Mediterranean, is not exempt from the global climatic impacts. Notably, the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East are warming almost twice as fast as the global average and other inhabited regions, making this area a significant climate change hotspot.

Greenhouse gas emissions in the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) are rapidly increasing, exceeding the average levels of the European Union and significantly contributing to climate change. This has led to noticeable changes n the hydrological cycle, resulting in extreme weather events with potentially disruptive social impacts, such as more severe and prolonged heatwaves, droughts, dust storms, and sudden heavy rain events causing flash floods. Additionally, water scarcity, a common issue in remote areas of Greece, is prevalent in Nisyros as well, further deteriorating the quality of life for residents. 

To ensure integration across the program, the summer school is structured around interconnected modules delivered by leading experts from five European universities. Each module will explore a specific aspect of Nisyros’s environmental and societal challenges, with cross-cutting sessions bringing together diverse perspectives. For example, workshops on volcanic formations will include discussions on their climatic implications and how these relate to water scarcity and resources management. Students will also participate in joint reflection sessions to synthesize insights from the different disciplines, fostering a comprehensive understanding of Earth's dynamic systems and their impacts.

Why is Nisyros ideal for this course?

Concerning the climate change aspect, being at the same time a part of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, the broader area of Greece should not be excluded from the potential climate impacts that affect our planet globally. Taking into consideration the fact that the Eastern Mediterranean along with the Middle East is warming almost two times faster than the global average and other inhabited parts of the world, it is suitably considered as a prominent climate change hotspot. Nisyros’ active hydrothermal field is the ideal natural laboratory to study the impact of gaseous emissions from fumaroles to climate.

Main topics addressed

• Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
• Volcanic Hazards and Geodynamics
• Water Resource Management
• Intercultural Dialogue and Social Equity
• Potential Collaborations

Learning outcomes

During this course, students will:

• gain hands-on experience by conducting fieldwork measurements;
• learn how to recognize volcanic geomorphological features and fault zones with field observations, creation of volcano-tectonic map;
• use high-tech environmental instrumentation (Parrot Thermal Drone, Kestrel Weather & Environmental Meter, PurpleAir) for marine operations in the coastal zone of Nisyros, including the identification of hot springs using ROVs and marine drones;
• examine how volcanic hazards and climate change impact local communities, economies, and geo-heritage sites;
• be describing the climate crisis and how it emerged from an interdisciplinary perspective;
• deliver high quality environmental data, creation of T-distribution map of the Hydrothermal Vent Field;
• be learning about geo-heritage sites with a particular focus on the Nisyros aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp) and be raising awareness in terms of sustainability and its indisputable merit.