Expedition to the Aegean: Danger from Columbo volcano increases!

Expedition to the Aegean: Danger from Columbo volcano increases!

Santorini, Griechenland - On March 4, 2025, the focus is on maritime research, while the research ship Maria S. Merian on March 5 of Málaga, Spain, places a six -week expedition into Greek Aegean. The expedition is headed by the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) of the University of Hamburg, with the support of the Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel (CAU). The aim of research is to record seismic and geological data in order to deepen the understanding of tectonic processes and potential natural hazards.

The route leads from Methana to the Aegean volcanic bond to the island of Nisyros and around Crete. Particular attention is paid to the submarine volcano Kolumbo, which is about seven kilometers northeast of Santorini. In the past few weeks, an increased seismic activity has been registered in the vican area of the volcano. This causes concern among scientists who examine the potential risks of an eruption and their effects on the region.

research focuses and geological relevance

The expedition will carry out acoustic measurements and the removal of sediment samples up to depths of 2000 meters. A central focus is on the examination of the Aegean volcanic arch, especially the Christiana-Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic field (CSKVF). Here, existing data from previous research are used to close knowledge gaps and develop reliable dangerous scenarios. The participating institutions include the universities of Hamburg and Kiel, the Geomar Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel and the University of Athens.

The Columbo volcano itself is a caldervulkan with an underwater caldera and a deep asymmetrical structure. Historical data show that Columbo dived in 1649 and followed a significant outbreak that is considered the strongest eruption in the eastern Mediterranean of the past 1000 years. This eruption went hand in hand with severe earthquakes and led to far -reaching destruction on Santorini.

Current geophysical developments

The latest earthquake activities, especially a strong quake in 2011 and a series of belly in 2012, indicate that the geophysical conditions around Santorini are changing. Geophysicist Emily Hoeft from the University of Oregon warns of a possible increase in seismic and volcanic activity, which could result in harmful ash clouds. Your analyzes show that the Santorini volcano is again charged, which requires persistent surveillance and caution.

Detailed evaluations of the situation around Columbo make it clear that new magma may build up. Experts fear that this could not only have an impact on Santorini, but also on the Turkish coastal areas. The need to keep the developments in mind in order to be able to take appropriate measures in good time is emphasized by authorities and scientists.

The expedition of the research ship Maria S. Merian is part of the Multi-Marex composite project of the German Alliance for Sea Research (DAM) and represents a significant contribution to researching the seismic risks in this geologically active region.

For more information on the details of the expedition, click on the links of the sources: University of Kiel , volkane.net , Hurriyet .