Student research reports

Written by Jacob Nash, University of Bristol

Abstract

On 19/09/2021 a basaltic fissure eruption began at Tajogaite Volcano located on the Cumbre Vieja Ridge, following a series of seismic swarms recorded since 2017. Lava flows travelled west up to 6.5 km to the shore and continued 1.1 km into the sea forming a lava delta. Six zones of interest within the lava flows were identified for the aerial surveys. The aim was to investigate the zones of interest surrounding the 2021 lava flows/deltas and the 1949 lava deltas to identify geomorphological and ecological changes using drone technology. Aerial flights were performed at all six zones of interest using the DGI Maverick 2Pro Drone and two flights were undertaken to photograph the underwater sections of the 2021 lava deltas using the FIFISH V6 drone. Photos taken during the aerial surveys were analysed using DCIM PIX4D. DPC models and DEMs of the northern and southern 2021 Lava slopes and deltas and the main Tajogaite cone were developed. For future aerial surveys, we recommend focused flights on individual structures within the lava flows, specifically structures that may change over short periods e.g. levees.

Written by Jacob Nash, University of Bristol

Abstract

On 19/09/2021 a basaltic fissure eruption began at Tajogaite Volcano located on the Cumbre Vieja Ridge, following a series of seismic swarms recorded since 2017. Lava flows travelled west up to 6.5 km to the shore and continued 1.1 km into the sea forming a lava delta. Six zones of interest within the lava flows were identified for the aerial surveys. The aim was to investigate the zones of interest surrounding the 2021 lava flows/deltas and the 1949 lava deltas to identify geomorphological and ecological changes using drone technology. Aerial flights were performed at all six zones of interest using the DGI Maverick 2Pro Drone and two flights were undertaken to photograph the underwater sections of the 2021 lava deltas using the FIFISH V6 drone. Photos taken during the aerial surveys were analysed using DCIM PIX4D. DPC models and DEMs of the northern and southern 2021 Lava slopes and deltas and the main Tajogaite cone were developed. For future aerial surveys, we recommend focused flights on individual structures within the lava flows, specifically structures that may change over short periods e.g. levees.

Written by Divas Parashar

Excerpt

Personally, it was a humbling experience for me to be able to talk to residents and hear their stories about the eruption and everything that has happened as a result of it. They spoke to us about the problems they are facing, ranging from uncertainty and confusion regarding the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, the unavailability of the promised help from the local government and the slow progress in everything. We also realized that there exists a strong fear amongst the residents that the volcano might reactivate and cause more damage in the coming weeks or months. This speaks volumes about the lack of proper scientific communication by the scientists and officials. Many of their lives have changed forever after the eruption, but there exists hope for a better future.

Written by Ajay Wynne Jones and Kelsey Hewett

Abstract

To understand the processes that are the most important for making volcanic material bioavailable and thus how volcanic rocks may have affected the evolution of early life we collected samples of lava flows across many ages. The permit gathered for this project allowed 6 sample locations. The locations selected from the permit are representative of mid and low altitudes of the 2021, 1949 and 1585 lava flows. Samples were collected from the centre of the flows and only at the surface. This was done to reduce any possible contamination from the lava flow margins. the method for collecting samples included filling out a table indicating the date of collection, lava flow age, sample name (e.g. GT-LP-21.1), sample type (rock or tephra), location using UTM, and elevation with any error if given. Future research for La Palma includes trying to get a permit approved for other lava flows, including the 1430 lava flow just north of the 2021 flow, the 1712 lava flow south of 1585, and the 1971 and 1677 flows at the southernmost portion of the island.

Written by Anabel Pozniak and Gemechu Bedassa

Abstract

This report aims to assess the risk of an imminent effusive eruption in La Palma within the Cumbre Vieja Natural Park if seismic trends continue to occur in this region. The Cumbre Vieja is an active 25-km-long volcanic ridge on the southern flank of the island La Palma in the Canary Islands, there are approximately 67,839 people who live on either side of the ridge and therefore are vulnerable to volcanic eruptions. In this work, seismic data recorded across the last 90 days across La Palma by the Instituto Geográfico Nacional, seismic data recorded before the 2021 Tajogaite eruption, and the location of the historic vent, and hydromagmatic eruption locations were used to predict the future eruption to occur in the southern volcanic domain of the Island. Our model predicts the eruption is most likely to occur to the NW of Lavas la Malforda on the western flank of the Cumbre Vieja ridge. The eruption will likely be a strombolian magmatic eruption, with a 57% chance of also being Hawaiian. If an eruption was likely to occur, it is 100% likely to have expansive lava flows, tephra/ash falls and toxic gases. This eruption has the potential to impact the villages of El Remo and El Charco, many banana plantations, and the LP-2 and LP-210 roads. 

Written by Sofia Della Sala and Brannock Hackett

Abstract

It is important to understand how various types of vegetation may colonise lava flows and over what timescales, to be able to monitor the development of vegetation on lava flows. In this study, the vegetation of lava flows was investigated for lava flows of different ages on the Canary Island of La Palma. The amount and maturity of vegetation of lava flows from eruptions in 1677, 1949, and 1971 were studied. Quadrants of 1 x 1 m were chosen at random, and the features of the rocks as well as the presence of any vegetation were recorded. Lichen colonisation and diversity increased with the age of the lava flows, however, even the older lava flows lacked more complex vegetation.

Queay, Isabel¹, Glover, Jack²; Piccoli, Brooke³;  Cano Fortún, Carmen⁴; Cabrera, Javier Díaz⁵;  Kambale Kavyavu, Wisdo⁶

¹University of Glasgow, ²University of Exeter; ³University of Florida; Università di Napoli Federico II⁴; Graduate of University of Stirling⁵; University of Québec in Montrea⁶

Abstract

Volcanoes pose a significant threat to the people of Tenerife, and the people who live the must have a certain amount of resilience to tackle this. This is shown by the 2021 eruption of La Palma, where many of the residents are still recovering from the impacts today. This report looks at the municipality of Vilaflor de Chasna, how much the people are aware of the volcanic risk, and how they would react when an eruption does happen. Data collection involved creating a survey and asking the residents of the town questions about demographics, volcanic knowledge, who they would contact in an emergency and how they feel about the current emergency systems. We asked questions that would allow us to gauge the vulnerability of the town, such as how many dependents residents have and whether they would require assistance during an evacuation. Additionally, we also interviewed some of the local figures such as the Mayor, Nuns and Firemen who gave information on the volcanic readiness of the town. From this data, we were able to learn some key information about the local volcanic knowledge and the institutions that people trust to give accurate knowledge. As we completed our data collection we were able to reflect on some of the issues that we faced. For example, the lack of Spanish-speaking researchers in our group, as they were the ones who could effectively talk to respondents, and the limited amount of time that we were able to spend in Vilaflor de Chasna. It is critical that volcanic resilience is built within the population of Tenerife in order to mitigate the impacts as much as possible; this can be achieved through education of the population and targeting weak spots in the current emergency plans.

Alec Phipps-Wirtz [1], Faith Bowater [2], Holly Shipp [3], Noah Gompertz [4], Rahma Hassan [5], and Samuel Swale [6]

1 University of Utah,  2 University of Plymouth,  3 Edge Hill University, 4 Coventry University,  5 University of Birmingham,  6 Bangor University.

Abstract

Tenerife is the largest of the volcanic islands that make up an archipelago off the coast of North West Africa. It is volcanically active, with a historical record of basaltic fissure eruptions that occur along its rift zones, as well as more explosive sub-Plinian eruptions from the central Teide-Pico Viejo Complex. Tenerife’s PAIV – The Island Action Plan Against Volcanic Risk – identifies the areas of ​​greatest threat are the Abeque Ridge, the Icod-Garachico Valley, and Santiago del Teide-Guía de Isora and that 60,000 people live in areas with a high or very high “volcanic threat” in Tenerife. Thus, it is of great importance that the residents of Tenerife are prepared for volcanic eruption and resilient to the effects of volcanic activity. The preparedness and resilience of the island to volcanic hazards were assessed and were found to be insufficient; The island and the local people are heavily dependent on tourism for economic growth, and a lack of education regarding Tenerife’s volcanic risk was reflected in the responses to the surveys carried out, information is not communicated effectively, and existing resources are not accessible. The following recommendations were made to reduce vulnerability: creating education programmes to increase hazard awareness and preparedness, diversification of the economy to ensure sustainable development and to reduce economic impacts of the eruption, and improvements in risk communication and accessibility of resources. Municipalities in the North and North West should be prioritised since they are most at risk. 

Written by Megan Pelly, Ella Richmond, and Lucy Benniston

Abstract

The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic ocean islands formed by intraplate volcanism and are classified within the top 20 countries/territories for proportional volcanic threat. With the increasing population and tourism in the Canary Islands, the risks associated with these events are increasing. Understanding the awareness and attitudes of the general public towards volcanic events can be of significant importance in developing effective disaster risk reduction and management plans. Preparation and Resistance to Volcanic Eruption surveys were prepared by Catalina Argüello-Gutiérrez of the Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Spain as part of the research project: PREVIA (Preparation and Resistance to Eruptions of Volcanoes in Ibero-America). Surveys were distributed by students and staff of GeoTenerife on the Islands of Tenerife and La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. We found that in general, participants from La Palma perceived the risk of either a volcanic eruption or earthquakes affecting their community as ‘Very likely’ compared to participants in Tenerife, likely due to their recent experience with these hazards in the 2021 eruption. The next steps in future research should survey people, from other islands, more age groups and a wider range of socio-economic backgrounds to analyse relationships between the island of origin and educational level to their perception of volcanic risk.

SERGIO PARRA-ALFAYA [1], FRANCESCA BUTLER [2][9], RYAN HILL [3], LEAH GINGELL [4], BANGRAN  TANG [5], NATALIA  PUCHE-POLO [6], KATY  CHAMBERLAIN [7], and STEVE  GODBY [8]

1 Universidad de La Laguna,  2 University of Bristol,  3 Royal Holloway University of London, 4 University of Hull,  5 The University of California, Davis,  6 Universidad de Granada, 7 University of Liverpool, 8 Nottingham Trent University, 9 University of Aberdeen

Abstract

Puertito de Adeje (El Puertito) is a small coastal village in the south of Tenerife. Cuna del Alma is the proposed establishment to be developed in this area, a proposed ‘eco-resort’ promoting ‘sustainable tourism’. They supposedly pride themselves on ‘protecting the marine life’ and are ‘passionate about the landscape’. The purpose of this research was to analyse the area, including its geology and vegetation, to identify if this area is, or is not, worth protecting. Through extensive data collection, the conclusion which was drawn from Puertito de Adeje is of significant interest to scientists, for several reasons. This area must be protected and preserved, and the Cuna del Alma development does not go ahead. If this development is approved to go ahead, not only will the beauty and exceptional nature be destroyed, but Tenerife as a whole will be forced to face the consequences, on the already overpopulated southern part of the island. 

Boc, Leslie¹; Hazeldine, Georgia²; Padilla Tovar³, Luis E.; Savini, Elisabetta⁴

¹ Tufts University, ² University of Birmingham, ³ Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente, ⁴ University of West Florida

Abstract

While tourism has been the foundation of the economy in the Canary Island archipelago for decades, locals have been affected by the industry model that promotes overconsumption and exploitation of resources. The following literature review and analysis focuses on the island of Tenerife, the most visited of the Canary Islands. Specifically, it focuses on the mega hotel project, Cuna del Alma, set to be constructed next to a natural protected area. By assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts that this project would have on the local population of Tenerife, this study aims to expose the problems of the current unsustainable tourist model of the island. Furthermore, it defines what sustainable tourism stands for, and proposes environmental restoration as an alternative plan for degraded territories historically destined for the solely purpose of urbanization and comercial use.