Delve into Santorini's geological marvels and volcanic risks

Full-time lectures will be given by high-skilled professionals of the Universities of National and Kapodistrian of Athens (Greece), Aix-Marseille University (France), Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) and Stockholm University (Sweden). Students will gain comprehensive insights into the island's tectonic processes, both offshore and onshore, alongside a global perspective on active volcanic system dynamics, as well as, the sources of mercury pollution and its biogeochemical cycle in the marine environment. The programme includes a 10-day online course of 6 hours/day. The table below shows the schedules of the course. Day 1 Geology and Volcanotectonics of Santorini Volcano Marine Geohazards and mitigation actions IODP–Expedition 398 “Hellenic Arc Volcanic Field” Day 2 Reconstructing the evolution and eruption histories of caldera volcanoes Hazards at poorly known volcanoes Modern monitoring of volcanoes Day 3 Group Presentations Day 4 Methods of trace metals analysis Hg analysis and speciation in hydrothermal vents Day 5 Mercury bioaccumulation/Couplings to other biogeochemical cycles Dimethylmercury in Hg’s biogeochemical cycle Day 6 Group Presentations Day 7 The modem Fe-rich coastal embayments and hydrothermal vents Santorini Relative sea level changes-volcanic and crustal mobility Neo-catastrophism and geoarchaeology of coastal vulnerability Day 8 Neotectonics in shaping Mediterranean archaeological landscapes Impacts of geohazards and climate change at underwater and coastal archaeological sites Archaeology in the Aegean Sea: indicators of relative sea-level change Day 9 Visualization through interactive maps Disseminate scientific data using GIS applications VR tools for Geosciences Day 10 Individual Presentations/test Embark on an epic journey to uncover the secrets of Santorini's famed caldera, both above and below the waves, and arm yourself with vital insights into potential volcanic geohazards.

Application Deadline

Virtual Part starting date 2025-01-20

Virtual Part closing date 2025-01-31

Total student workload 180

Specific field of studies Environmental Sciences, Geology, Marine Geology, Chemistry, Marine Chemistry, Marine Biology-Microbiology, Geochemistry, Oceanography, Marine Technology

Pre-requisite for selection CV Motivation Letter Level of English (According to CEFR) Research Project Outline

Academic pre-requisites for applicants Holder of a recognized primary degree in areas related to Environmental Sciences preferred, Geology, Physical Geography, Geomorphology, Chemistry, Marine Chemistry, Biology, Marine Biology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, (a minimum of three years’ study at a university (i.e., 180 ECTS), or equivalent according to the European regulations).

Physical Part starting date 2025-02-03

Physical Part Description In the 5 days course, the hands-on programme splits in two main sections: 1) Field work techniques, that include: · Determination of the morphotectonic features associated with volcanic eruptions/field observations of intense volcanic activity · ROV: Optical imaging, seafloor exploration, data acquisition, analysis, interpretation. · Reconstructing eruptive parameters from field observations of pyroclastic deposits and Hazards · Biological Relative Sea Level Indicators along rocky shores · Measurements of physicochemical parameters in aquatic samples (temperature, salinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH etc.) · Basic principles of sampling (devices, cleaning procedures, sterilization, packing, safety, contamination risk etc.) 2) Analytical Techniques that include: · Determination of Total Hg and DGM via cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CVAFS; BROOKS Rand Model 3). The remainder of the DGM-purged sampled will be acidified for MMHg analysis. THg will be measured via CVAFS. · Determination of MeHg and MMHg.MeHg and MMHg will be analyzed via species specific isotope dilution gas chromatography sector field ICP-MS(online demonstration) · To investigate bioconcentration and bioaccumulation of Hg species along the local marine food web, we will demonstrate sampling of suspended particles, phytoplankton, zooplankton and local benthic biota. Particulate Hg on filters, plankton, and sediments will be analyzed via CVAAS

Physical Part closing date 2025-02-07

Language level required B2

Field of studies related to the course Engineering and Technology Environment and Agriculture Natural Sciences and Mathematics Environmental Sciences Urbanism and Geography

Course location Fira, Santorini, Cyclades in the South Aegean Sea, Greece

Course language English