Researchers from the Department of Geosciences of the University of Malta, Dr Monica Giona Bucci and Dr Senay Horozal, will be part of an important oceanographic expedition, 'Fire and Ice,' set to explore the effects of two significant volcanic eruptions on the seafloor and ecosystems along Chile’s southern coast. The expedition, led by Prof. Sebastian Watt from the University of Birmingham, will take place from 2 September to 24 September 2024, aboard the research vessel Falkor (too), operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
The focus of this expedition is to study the aftermath of the 2008 Chaiten Volcano eruption and the 2011 Puyehye-Cordon Caulle eruption. By collecting sediment and geophysical data, the team aims to better understand how volcanic activity interacts with climate changes, including volcanic eruptions, glacial retreats, sea level fluctuations, and seismic events.
Dr Giona Bucci and Dr Horozal’s participation highlights the Department of Geosciences’ active role in international research efforts. The data gathered during this expedition will contribute to a broader understanding of how such natural events shape our planet’s history and impact the environment.
