NASA launch mission to Kolumbo volcano in Santorini

·

Launched last night from the port of Lavrion and will last until November 27, an international oceanographic seabed submarine will surveillance the Kolumbo volcano, about seven kilometres northeast of Santorini.

Funded by the US Agency for International Development, the international mission is made up of 30 scientists from the US, Greece, Australia and Germany, and is backed by the Greek interests of Maritech International’s DP-2 CLV Ocean Link.

NASA’s goal is to test new and “intelligent” technologies in the seas of the Earth with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), which in the coming decades are intended to be used to explore extra-terrestrial oceans such as Jupiter’s distant moons. The submarine will detect traces of life in extreme, uncharted and potentially dangerous environments that will be explored.

The program, aimed at optimising robotic probe technology, is being attended by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute of Massachusetts (led by Dr. Richard Camille, who is also the head of the mission), The Institute of Technology the University of Michigan, the University of Sydney, the Department of Geology and Environment of the University of Athens, and the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (ITHAW.V.Y.K.) of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Science (ELKETHE).

An assistant Professor of Greek Law at the University of Athens Paraskevi, who played a key role in conducting NASA’s research in Greece and not in any other country, told RES-EIA: “The Columbus volcano faces us with those of planetary exploration. Although remote-controlled submarines have previously landed in the Kolumbo Crater, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs and gliders) will be used in this mission to collect oceanographic data due to the complex and potentially dangerous environment.”

As explained, the Kolumbo volcanic cone has a base diameter of three kilometres and forms a crater of 170 meters in diameter, rising from a depth of 504 meters to a depth of 18 meters below sea level. This submarine caldera is located in a highly geodetic environment, very close to the caldera of the Santorini volcano, and has an important hydrothermal system, from which almost pure carbon dioxide is released.

“Self-propelled submarines will move through the Kolumbo Crater and study its hydrothermal sources and other areas of biogeochemical interest. The robots, which have chemical sensors, among other things, will look for conditions inside the caldera that could favour the development of life forms, as if they were in an extra-terrestrial ocean,” Ms Nomikou said.

Sourced by: RES-EIA

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Popular mountain destination in Greece introduces ‘culture fee’ per night for visitors

Tourists staying in the Municipality of Zagori will now pay a €0.75 “culture fee” per night for hotel or short-term rental accommodations.

Greece declares 2026 a tribute year to Manos Hadjidakis

The Greek Ministry of Culture has proclaimed 2026 a year dedicated to honoring Manos Hadjidakis, the visionary composer.

Greece to deregister 285,000 inactive university students

Greece’s Education Ministry will remove over 285,000 inactive students from university records in December, Sofia Zacharaki announced

My Greek Kitchen’s Niki Louca shares her favourite Pavlova Roll recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for a pavlova roll with The Greek Herald.

Australians among top investors in Greece’s landmark Ellinikon project

The Ellinikon project, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration initiatives, is transforming the former airport site into a modern city.

You May Also Like

BREAKING: Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Antonis Diamataris resigns ahead of Australian tour

Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister Antonis Diamataris has resigned a day before commencing his tour around Australia. In his statement of resignation, which was accepted by...

Preston Market comes alive for Greek Cultural Day celebration

Preston Market’s slogan “it’s not just a market, it’s a community” rang true on Sunday when the centre came alive for Greek Cultural Day.

Largest collection of Indigenous Australian art to go on display in Cyprus

Australia and Cyprus celebrate 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations with an exhibition of Indigenous Australian art in Cyprus.