METEOR M215

The MMC-3 cruise is closely linked to the MMC-1 cruise, as a common infrastructure will be deployed on the seafloor, recovered and data uploaded. The aim of the cruise is to test and investigate a) the slope stability of the Columbo, b) the effects and extent of hydrothermal alteration, c) the interaction of faults and volcanism and d) new approaches for monitoring underwater volcanoes. These experiments will enable MULTI-MAREX to establish a real-world laboratory that will provide early warning and disaster response capabilities for local communities in Greece.

The aim of the research on the Santorini-Columbo system is to reconstruct geological processes that trigger tsunamigenic volcanic eruptions and to provide more reliable short-term forecasts through new monitoring methods. Geodetic, seismological, electromagnetic and high-resolution bathymetric measurements are used to record risk factors in order to understand triggers, cascading processes and secondary hazards. These findings are essential for the third research mission of the DAM (German Marine Research Alliance) on ‘Marine Extreme Events and Natural Hazards’.

The DAM joint project MULTI-MAREX will set up a living lab in Santorini to investigate extreme geological events and associated risks in the Aegean Sea. The aim is to strengthen knowledge for coping with these hazards and to co-design and provide early warning systems. Three research expeditions will collect geophysical and geological data to refine submarine hazard scenarios for Santorini and Colombo.