Pontedera (PI), Italy – September 30 – October 3, 2024

The IMPROVE course on “Geochemical and Geophysical Methods for Volcano Monitoring and Geothermal Exploration” took place at the West Systems s.r.l in Pontedera (Pisa), Italy, from September 30 to October 3, 2024, and was organized by Dr. Giulio Bini (IMPROVE ESR and Course Director), Dr. Giancarlo Tamburello and Dr. Antonio Costa from INGV Bologna, and Leonardo Coppo from West Systems s.r.l.

This course trained the participants on the basic concepts of geochemical and geophysical volcano monitoring and geothermal exploration by using ground- and drone-based data acquisitions. Participants had hands-on opportunities to conduct measurements of the soil CO2 emission and temperature at the Biancane geothermal area (Larderello, Italy). They then applied statistical methods to process this data, which allowed them to map and quantify gas emissions and estimate the geothermal potential of the area.

The course was attended by 16 participants, including 6 Early Stage Researchers from the IMPROVE project. The other 10 participants came from various European and African (Algeria) research institutions, and from industry partners of IMPROVE, such as Landsvirkjun, the national power company of Iceland.