OPEN CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The school is open to undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
and PhD students in scientific disciplines, as well as professionals involved in the study and management of land and sea.
Topics include the geological features of the unique active volcanic area of the island of Panarea, its biological components adapted to naturally acidified vents systems, and the characterization of hydrothermal fluids.
Participants will be trained in multi-parameter monitoring techniques and the definition of experimental protocols for
the sampling and study of CO2-rich fluids and benthic communities, with particular emphasis on assessing the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on organisms, communities, and ecosystem/habitat, especially on the seagrass meadows of Posidonia oceanica.
TEACHING PROGRAM
The course consists of 5 scientific dives, 10 multidisciplinary theoretical lessons and 4 practical lessons. Lectures cover topics in physical, chemical, and biological oceanography, marine ecology, and earth sciences, with special emphasis on marine geology and volcanology, marine hydrothermal systems, effects of climate change and ocean acidification, experimental design, and sampling strategies.
Diving activities include mapping techniques, hydrothermal water,
gas, and seawater sampling (using Niskin bottles and benthic chamber), sediment sampling, multiparametric probe positioning, gas flux measurements, visual census techniques, benthic composition, and measurements of coverage, shoot density, plant phenology, and epiphytes of Posidonia oceanica meadows.
The first day of the school will be dedicated to a workshop on CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage), organised by CO2GeoNet and ECCSEL-ERIC (European Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage Laboratory Infrastructure), the European initiative aiming to create a network of top quality research laboratories dedicated to the development of CCUS technologies.
Students will attend lecturers on these important technologies for mitigating climate change reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions, as well as on the mission and challenges of ECCSEL-ERIC. Special attention will be given to ECCSEL-NatLab Italy and the research activities carried out using the natural CO2 venting of the Panarea volcanic complex to test new high-tech instruments and monitoring programs in CCUS projects.
