A team of scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in Italy has successfully created an unprecedentedly detailed 3D model of the interior of the Vulcano volcano, located in northern Sicily. This groundbreaking achievement, detailed in a study published in Nature Communications, represents a significant leap forward in understanding volcanic structures and could revolutionize risk management and eruption anticipation.
A “Photographic” Breakthrough
Unlike previous large-scale studies that only provided broad outlines, this new research offers a high-resolution, three-dimensional “photograph” of Vulcano’s internal structure. The team, led by UNIGE doctoral student Douglas Stumpp, used a technique called seismic ambient noise tomography.
They deployed around 200 portable seismic sensors across Vulcano island to record natural ground vibrations. This massive volume of data was then processed by a supercomputer using neural networks, a form of artificial intelligence.
“It is a breakthrough comparable to the transition from ultrasound to MRI in medicine,” says Matteo Lupi, who led the study. The model reveals the precise distribution of magmatic fluids in the volcano’s upper regions, offering a level of detail never before achieved.
From Knowledge to Prevention
While this new model does not yet allow for eruption prediction, it offers a crucial understanding of the internal dynamics of volcanoes. The researchers believe that if data from this method could be processed in real-time with the help of AI, it could allow for the analysis of volcanic behavior as it unfolds. This could enable scientists to design dynamic and adaptable evacuation plans in the future, marking a significant step towards better managing the risks associated with the over 1,500 active volcanoes around the world.