As Greece’s Mount Etna erupts, the serene Greek island paradise of Santorini teeters on the brink of disaster. Scientists are racing against time to map the volcano and provide critical data for the island’s residents.
Perched on top of Santorini‘s sheer cliffs is a world-famous tourist industry worth millions. Underneath lies the fizzing risk of an almighty explosion. A huge ancient eruption created the dreamy Greek island, leaving a vast crater and a horse-shoe shaped rim.
Santorini is a picturesque Greek island located in the Aegean Sea.
Its stunning landscapes, whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches have made it a popular tourist destination.
The island's unique geological features, including its caldera and volcanic soil, support a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Santorini's rich history dates back to the Minoan civilization, with archaeological sites such as Akrotiri showcasing its ancient past.
The Hidden World Beneath the Surface
Beneath our feet on the ship, 300m (984ft) down, are bubbling hot vents. These cracks in the Earth turn the seafloor into a bright orange world of protruding rocks and gas clouds. Hydrothermal vents are why scientists like Prof Isobel Yeo and her team are on this mission to investigate Santorini‘s underwater volcano.
Hydrothermal vents are underwater springs that release hot water and minerals from the Earth's crust.
These unique ecosystems support a diverse array of life, including giant tube worms, vent crabs, and other organisms that thrive in the harsh conditions surrounding the vents.
Located primarily at mid-ocean ridges, hydrothermal vents play a crucial role in the global ocean circulation and geochemical cycles.
The Science Behind the Eruption
‘It’s a bit like ‘out of sight, out of mind’ in terms of understanding their danger,’ says Prof Isobel Yeo, an expert on highly dangerous submarine volcanoes. ‘We know more about the surface of some planets than what’s down there.’ The team is trying to map the hydrothermal system and understand how fluid moves through rocks by pulsing an electromagnetic field into the earth.
Submarine volcanoes, also known as seamounts, are underwater mountains that form from volcanic activity.
They can be found on the ocean floor and are often associated with mid-ocean ridges.
These volcanoes can produce new oceanic crust through a process called seafloor spreading.
Submarine volcanoes can also create unique ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of marine life.
The largest submarine volcano is Mauna Loa, which rises over 9,700 meters above the sea floor.
Mapping the Volcano
The Discovery is investigating Santorini‘s caldera and sailing out to Kolombo, the other major volcano in this area. The two volcanoes are not expected to erupt imminently, but it is only a matter of time. The expedition will create data sets and geohazard maps for Greece‘s Civil Protection Agency.
A Matter of Time
The recent earthquake crisis in Santorini highlighted how exposed the island’s residents are to seismic threats and how reliant they are on tourism. ‘We are doing science for the people, not science for the scientists,’ says Prof Paraskevi Nomikou. The work will inform local people how active the volcanoes are and map the area that will be forbidden to access during an eruption.
A Call for Caution
The mission’s findings could have a significant impact on the tourism industry in Santorini. ‘It was really scary, as it got more and more intense,’ says photographer Eva Rendl, who left the island with her daughter due to the earthquakes. The team hopes that their work will make people feel safer about visiting the island.
A Dream Destination
Santorini will always be a dream destination for many. ‘Actually we wanted to get married by a volcano,’ says newlywed Tom, who traveled from Latvia despite the earthquakes for the perfect wedding picture. For others, Santorini‘s unique charm and beauty make it impossible to resist.
