This work presents an innovative way of sampling and analyzing volcanic clouds using an unoccupied aircraft system (UAS). The UAS can reach hazardous environments to sample volcanic particles and measure in situ key parameters, such as the atmospheric concentration of volcanic aerosols and gases. Acquired data bridge the gap between the existing approaches of ground sampling and remote sensing, thereby contributing to the understanding of volcanic cloud dispersion and impact.

By considering the quantification of tephra mass deposited on roads following an eruption (or a series of explosive volcanic eruptions), in this work we assessed the cumulated tephra mass on the road networks in three selected towns on Mt Etna’s eastern flank during several paroxysms in 2021. This is a first attempt to estimate the amount of tephra that must be removed during a crisis that could be reused, converting in this way a potential problem into an opportunity.

This study assess the cascading impacts of the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, Spain. By combining forensic techniques with network analysis, this research quantifies the effects of physical damage on the road network as well as the cascading loss of functionality and systemic disruptions to emergency services, health centers, agriculture and education. Result show the relevance of redundant infrastructure and landuse on effective risk management and mitigation of future volcanic impacts.

The Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes (CVZA) spans four countries with 59 volcanoes. We identify those with the most intense and frequent eruptions and the highest potential impact that require risk mitigation actions. Using multiple risk factors, we encourage the use of regional volcanic risk assessments to analyse the level of preparedness especially of transboundary volcanoes. We hope that our work will motivate further collaborative studies and promote cooperation between CVZA countries.

Evacuation planning and management represent a key aspect of volcanic crises because they can increase people's protection as well as minimize the potential impacts on the economy, properties and infrastructure of the affected area. We present a simulation tool that assesses the effectiveness of different evacuation scenarios as well as a model to assess the economic impact of evacuation as a function of evacuation duration and starting period using the island of Vulcano (Italy) as a case study.