Author: improve

Nicolosi (Mount Etna), Italy – July 24 – 28, 2023

IMPROVE is a H2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network for the next generation of European volcanologists. Early Stage Researchers in IMPROVE are trained while developing research on quantitative volcanology, from innovative monitoring and prospecting to advanced lab experiments, High Performance Computing, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. IMPROVE organizes schools, short courses, and other training and scientific meetings open to participants from outside the network.

SCHOOL OBJECTIVES and KEY TRAINING ELEMENTS

The Etna school aims at introducing the students to the analysis of data from multiparametric volcano monitoring networks. The school is focussed on exercises and practice: frontal lessons are kept to a minimum, and they are addressed at providing the fundamental understanding necessary for a conscious use of processing tools and computational instruments which will constitute the core of the activities. The case studies will make large (but not exclusive) reference to Mount Etna, one of the most active, best monitored, most famous and most intensively investigated volcanoes in the world. The technical and scientific contents above are complemented by lessons on European standards for data management and policies, and on planning, engineering and testing new instruments for volcano monitoring.
All students are asked to bring a poster on their research activity, and present it in dedicated sessions.

SCHEDULE

MOUNT ETNA

Mount Etna (3357 m a.s.l.) is one of the most famous and active volcanoes in the world, and one of the most beautiful to visit and most rewarding to investigate. The eruption activity during last few decades is dominated by the formation of large lava fountains merging into sub-Plinian events with volcanic plumes reaching as high as 15 km above the crater. Quite often that summit activity is accompanied by the generation of lava flows, most of which invade the “Valle del Bove”, a huge depression on the Eastern flank of the volcano representing a major volcano-tectonic feature. Less frequent flank eruptions produce lava flows which menace, and sometimes partially destroy, villages as well as touristic installations.
The volcano monitoring system on Mount Etna is arguably the most developed in the world, with a number of permanent installations approaching 200  and  including  broad-band  seismometers, tiltmeters, dilatometers, gravimeters, GNSS, FTIR and  multi-gas  sensors, acoustic  sensors,  visible  and infra-red  cameras, integrated by satellite imagery (optical and radar) and field observations. The 24/7 volcanic control room at the INGV Etna Observatory in Catania continuously receives Tb of data which are processed in real-time, and is constantly in contact with the regional and national operational rooms of the Italian Civil Protection system.

Comitato organizzativo: Eugenio Privitera, Giuseppe Puglisi, Paolo Papale, Raffaela Pignolo.
Supporto tecnico: Massimiliano Cascone, Patrizia Pantani, Salvatore Consoli, Fabrizio Pistagna.

SCHOOL COSTS

Each student will pay a contribution to the true costs, amounting to a total of 430 euros to be payed on-site, inclusive of accommodation in double or triple room, breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, social dinner, school materials, transfer from-to Catania airport at scheduled times, and additional transfers during the school days. The cable car to access the summit area of Mount Etna during the day of field trip costs additional 45 euros, to be payed on-site to the service-providing company.

VENUE

INGV building, Via Monti Rossi 1
NICOLOSI (CT)/

Geophysical data inversion and numerical forward modelling

Carlingford, Ireland – 14th-20th May 2023

Deadline for Registration: 3^rd April 2023

IMPROVE is a H 2020 Marie-Sklodowska Curie Innovative Training Network for the next generation of European volcanologists. Early Stage Researchers in IMPROVE are trained while developing research on quantitative volcanology, from innovative monitoring and prospecting to advanced lab experiments, High Performance Computing, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. IMPROVE organizes schools, short courses, and other training and scientific meetings open to participants from outside the network.

KEY TRAINING ELEMENTS

Geophysical data inversion and numerical forward modelling are key elements in the study of volcanoes. Physics based inversion allows the estimation of a population of models by extracting information from observed data, while forward modelling tools can yield a prediction of the expected data, given a model. Combined use of these approaches permit estimates of volcano source parameters and volcano structure. In the Ireland School we will consider theoretical and practical aspects of both data inversion and forward modelling, drawing on examples from seismic & acoustic (infrasound) source estimations, volcano deformation and volcano imagery using seismology and magnetotellurics. We will also briefly consider the relative merits of physics based versus data driven inversion (e.g. Deep Learning – DL), and briefly explore new hybrid inversion approaches where physical laws are incorporated into DL data driven schemes. Finally the School will also cover topics such as project management, research leadership, and good communication.

SCHEDULE

*Particpants will be expected to collaborate (online) to prepare material in advance of the school.
** Participants are expected to bring a poster outlining their research work.

There will also be a special presentation on the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption, as part of the School.
Preliminary list of lecturers: Silvio De Angelis, Duygu Kiyan, Ivan Lokmer, Chris Bean, Paddy Smith, Ka Lok Li, Emma Chambers [… additional lecturers & updates coming shortly]

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

PhD candidates and early stage post docs with little to no prior knowledge of inversion and forward modelling.

SCHOOL COSTS

Each student will pay a contribution towards the true costs. This includes accommodation in double or triple rooms, breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks and dinners. The cost of school materials, transfers to and from Dublin airport at scheduled times, field trip and kayaking, will be covered by the IMPROVE Project. The estimated maximum cost is €470 (accounting for possible inflation).

REGISTRATION

The school is open to a maximum of 15 students, besides IMPROVE fellows. Participants will be selected on the basis of demonstrated relevance of the school for their research and career development.
Deadline for Registration: 3^rd April 2023
Information on Acceptance: 10^th April 2023

Although Ireland is an EU member state, it is not part of the Schengen travel area. Therefore, it is the responsibility of non-EU citizens to determine if they require a visa to travel to Ireland. Applicants who have been offered a place on the School will be offered a letter of acceptance, if they need one for visa purposes.

The School will be held in the small coastal village of Carlingford, about half way between Dublin and Belfast.
There is easy access to Dublin airport. The village is vibrant but isolated, ideal for a week of both science and fun.