News dated
CNR reports that HYDROSENSE, conducted aboard Gaia Blu around Kolumbo and Santorini from 30 October to 12 November, has finished. In the collaboration with MBARI, a 514-metre fibre-optic cable acted as 135 sensors, recording for almost seven days. A 2 November expedition log documents Geo-Sense inside the crater, about 500 metres below the surface. [1][3]
The fibre-optic system measures tiny strains associated with vibrations and sound. Robotic surveys and other sensors help researchers interpret them; samples and data will be analysed in the coming months. The expedition tests a monitoring approach: its completion does not establish that eruptions can now be predicted or island communities guaranteed safety. [1][2]
The bright side
A joint expedition has gathered observations to understand geological processes that are difficult to measure directly. [1][2][3]
One idea, in simple words
Kolumbo is a volcano beneath the sea near the Greek island of Santorini. A team aboard the research ship Gaia Blu worked in the area from 30 October to 12 November. Researchers placed a special cable inside the crater, about 500 metres below the surface. Fibre optics, also used for communications, can reveal tiny movements. A small underwater robot helped position the cable. Imagine, as an example, feeling a table vibrate without seeing what makes it move: you need more clues to understand the cause. Scientists also compare different measurements. Installing equipment does not mean they can predict an eruption. The monitoring approach still needs to be studied and assessed. [1][2][3]
A little discovery to keep
What did you discover?
Straight from the source.
- Kolumbo, il vulcano sommerso di Santorini osservato da vicino: si conclude la campagna HYDROSENSE Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche · 12 Nov 2026
- HYDROSENSE Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute · No publication date provided
- Listening to an active submarine volcano with fiber-optic technology Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute · 2 Nov 2026
Original reporting summaries prepared with AI assistance and accessible sources. Our editorial method.
