1 August 2024
Dormant volcanoes on the seabedGeophysicist Dr. Jonas Preine wins award for research communication
Photo: University of Hamburg / CEN
In his competition entry, Jonas Preine gives a vivid and impressive account of his research on the Santorini volcanoes. He describes the Greek island’s current appearance, which barely hints at the destructive power of previous eruptions anymore. Similar to a medical ultrasound examination, Preine uses seismic images that he created of the subsurface to examine how the region around Santorini has developed. “Our patients are volcanoes, and our findings are eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes,” says Preine.
In addition to his research, the geophysicist finds it important to communicate his findings. “I want to bring my research closer to the public and share my fascination for volcanoes and working at sea. After all, this research is funded by taxpayer money,” says Preine. At the same time, finding the right tone is important to him. “Admittedly, this is about dramatic natural phenomena, but we don’t want to unnecessarily give the impression that the next super eruption is imminent,” he explains.
Research communication on the high seas
Some of the volcanic eruptions and seismic activities examined took place several hundred thousand years ago. Using his measurements, Preine was able to show how Santorini grew out of a field of many smaller volcanoes, and he has found others that have been dormant in the seabed for a long time. “With our seismic data, we were able to visualize many of these dormant volcanoes,” says Preine. In this way, he hopes to contribute to a better understanding and reliable predictions of volcanic eruptions.
Incidentally, Preine wrote his entry for the competition on a research vessel off the Sicilian coast. The news of his win reached him on board a few months later, on an expedition in the North Atlantic. Preine is delighted about the planned publication of his article in the scientific magazine KlarText and the prize money of €7,500, but he will be unable to accept the award in person. “During the award ceremony, I’ll be on another expedition at sea,” he says. “It’s such a shame, but it closes the circle.”