La Palma volcano eruption spurs scientific advances
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Following the 2021 eruption of the Tajogaite volcano on La Palma, Spain, the National Geographic Institute (IGN) strengthened its volcanic monitoring and research capabilities.
The eruption prompted the Ministry of Transport to restructure the IGN, creating a dedicated department for geophysical hazards and improving working conditions for emergency personnel. This reform aimed to better prepare specialists for responding to geological dangers.
The IGN collaborated with the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands (Involcan) to develop ALERTA CO2, a pioneering volcanic gas surveillance project. This system uses over 1,500 sensors, creating the densest network in the world for monitoring volcanic carbon dioxide emissions. The eruption highlighted the need for denser, automated observation networks providing real-time data, so the IGN increased the number of seismic stations, GNSS stations, and inclinometers on the island. Researchers also improved their data analysis methods.
They implemented automated detectors using machine learning to quickly analyze seismic activity and created a more complete seismic catalog. These advances, along with new tools for lava flow simulation and ash emission warnings, have already led to 18 publications in international journals, expanding knowledge of the volcanic system beneath La Palma and the processes leading up to and following the 2021 eruption.
