A few days ago, a joint diving mission was successfully carried out by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (EAGME) and the Institute for the Study and Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano (IMPHS). The mission achieved extensive and selective rock sampling from the summit and slopes of the Kolumbo submarine volcano, one of the two active centers of the Santorini volcanic field.
This activity took place as part of EAGME’s program objectives for assessing volcanic hazards in the area, in collaboration with IMPHS and the environmental organization “Dive In Action,” which operates in Santorini with the goal of protecting the natural underwater landscape — particularly the unique geological formations of the Santorini caldera.
The contribution of the Municipality of Thira, and especially its Mayor, Mr. Antonis Sigalas, was decisive, as he ensured the provision of a suitable vessel from the “Santorini Boatmen’s Union.”
The Dive In Action divers — Dimitris Kampanos, diving instructor certified in Scientific Diving and Physical Oceanography, and assistant instructors Andriana Darzenta and Lazaros Anastasiadis — collected 37 large rock fragments from depths between -21 and -54 meters. These fragments were ejected during the 1650 eruption.
The study, analysis, and dating of these samples are expected to provide valuable insights into the rocks that composed Kolumbo’s submarine cone before the 1650 eruption. This knowledge will be crucial for quantitatively assessing the volcanic hazard from a possible reactivation of Kolumbo, enabling civil protection authorities, in collaboration with local authorities, to plan appropriate measures for the safety of residents and visitors, should the need ever arise.
The action was coordinated by Dr. Giorgis Vougioukalakis, Head of the Department of Natural Hazards at EAGME and President of IMPHS.