Natural Processes and Climate Risks (NatRisks)

High-skilled professionals of the four participating Universities will give full-time lectures. Students will gain the necessary geological and geomorphological knowledge regarding tectonics, volcanism and geoheritage, as well as the atmospheric parameters that contribute and influence the climate. The program includes a 6-day online course of 6 hours/day Day 1: a) Geology and Volcanotectonics of Nisyros Volcano (onshore-offshore observations) b) Regional Tephrostratigraphic framework: applications and challenges Day 2: a) Climate hazards, impacts and risks b) Unravelling hazards at poorly known volcanoes Day 3: a) Single‐station monitoring of volcanoes using seismic ambient noise b) Physical oceanography of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin Day 4: a) Geoarchaeology of the Anthropocene b) Significant examples in Geoarchaeology - Danube delta and Venice lagoon case studies Day 5: a) Geoarchaeology of catastrophes b) The importance of cultural geoheritage Day 6: a) Recent spatio-temporal changes of land sensitivity to degradation due to climate change and human activities: an approach based on multiple environmental quality indicators b)The future of the Earth's climate Experience an active volcano up-close to raise awareness about climate impacts and geohazards

Application Deadline

Virtual Part starting date 2024-03-26

Virtual Part closing date 2024-04-02

Total student workload 127

Specific field of studies Environmental Sciences, Geology, Physical Geography, Volcanology, Climatology, Meteorology, Geomorphology, Hydrology, Geoheritage

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, Volcanology, Climatology, Hydrology, Meteorology, Geomorphology (a minimum of three years’ study at a university (i.e., 180 ECTS), or equivalent according to the European regulations). · English language (C2)

Physical Part starting date 2024-05-08

Physical Part Description During the hands-on course, students will participate in fieldwork observations and measurement, analysis and representation of geological/geomorphological and climate data, utilizing scientific equipment and instruments. The 5-day course exercises include: 1) Identification of volcanic morphotectonic features-creation of morphotectonic maps - Onsite observations of the intense volcanic activity. Educational tour at the active hydrothermal field. 2) Overview of the Mediterranean Basin hydrological evolution, Holocene sea-level variability, current hydrological status and vulnerability. 3) Field work techniques, including: - ROV: Optical imaging, seafloor exploration – ROV data acquisition, analysis, interpretation. Identification of the geomorphological features across the coastline of Nisyros (shuttle boat tour) 4) Introduction into the processes that determine variability of the Earth's climate and the observed signals of change in the Anthropocene. 5) Atmospheric field measurements: air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, global solar irradiance & air quality measurements (PM2.5 concentrations) More specifically, the scientific equipment will include: -Remote Operated vehicle (ROV) represent a state-of-art technology able to image the submarine environment, collect key HD videos and static images to create an ad-hoc toolkit for virtual reality underwater exploration. The operational depth reaches 200m. Using portable instruments, continuous seawater measurements will be available. Students will be trained in submarine data acquisition, modeling and interpretation. -Drone surveys will also be conducted for geomorphological mapping to identify the different volcanic structures and create a high-resolution topographic model of Nisyros. -Parrot Thermal Drone with thermal camera will be used to depict the thermal conditions in Nisyros. -Kestrel Weather & Environmental Meter: In situ 5 min measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and global solar irradiance will be carried out by a mobile weather station (Kestrel) in "Mandraki" and in the craters in order to assess the biometeorological conditions. -PurpleAir: In situ real-time measurements of air quality (PM2.5 concentrations). -T-sensors will obtain high temperatures of the active fumaroles within the craters. Students will analyze time series creating a T-distribution map.

Physical Part closing date 2024-05-12

Language level required B2

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

Course location Mandraki-Nisyros, Dodecanese, Southeastern Aegean Sea, Greece

Course language English