Volcanology investigates the geological, geophysical, and geochemical phenomena of volcanic activity. By studying active volcanoes, researchers aim to mitigate risks and improve eruption forecasts, ultimately safeguarding societies from volcanic hazards.

Infrastructure and Collaborative Framework
The TCS Volcano Observations (VOLC) primary functions are:
- provision of virtual access to the available multidisciplinary data collected on European volcanoes and their geodynamic sur roundings.
- virtual access to a portfolio of data, products, software and services (DDSSs) to promote improvement of the knowledge of volcanic processes and better assessment of the related hazards.
- share of knowledge in scientific monitoring, hazard assessment, and public safety.
- promoting international cooperation and providing scientists with access to observatories and monitoring facilities.
- integration of multidisciplinary data from European volcanoes, coordinating with past and active projects like MEDSUV and FUTUREVOLC.

Applications and Societal Impact
Understanding and modelling of volcanic processes aids in forecasting eruptions and evaluating the associated hazards, thus minimizing the societal and economic impacts. The VOLC TCS's integration of multidisciplinary data supports decision-makers and improves hazard mitigation and definition of risk management strategies in Europe and beyond.

Tools and Platforms
VOLC TCS offers seismic, geodetic, and geochemical data from thousands of monitoring stations. These tools help identify areas at risk from various volcanic hazards, enabling detailed analyses of volcanic behavior and support scientific collaboration through the EPOS platform.

Future Goals and Aspirations
VOLC TCS seeks to sustain open science practices, enhance data accessibility, and foster innovation in volcanology. Strengthening international networks and multidisciplinary research will advance the understanding of volcanic processes and their impacts.

The Thematic Core Service Volcano Observations (VOLC-TCS) offers, within EPOS, long-term access to data, products and services provided by the European Volcano Observatories and the Volcano Research Institutes.

Through the appropriate VOLC-TCS gateway, users can access a wide range of data, including volcanological and geological data products, seismic and geodetic data, and more.

EUROVOLC

The European Network of Observatories and Research Infrastructures for Volcanology (EUROVOLC) aggregates the various disciplines necessary for effective volcanic research and the European Volcano Supersite e-infrastructures implemented in the FUTUREVOLC and MED-SUV projects.

The European Catalogue of Volcanoes is part of EUROVOLC. This virtual catalogue of active volcanoes assembles detailed information collected by volcano observatories and research infrastructures in Europe and displays it in an interactive environment. The VOLC-TCS is working to integrate the portfolio of volcanological data and products into the European Catalogue of Volcanoes.

FutureVolc

Futurevolc was a European project that ran from 2012 to 2016 that established Iceland as a supersite location to monitor volcanic activity. One of the primary project outcomes was the Icelandic Catalogue of Icelandic Volcanoes, which served as a template for the European Catalogue of Volcanoes.

MED-SUV

The MED-SUV exploited the availability of large datasets collected by monitoring sites and projects in the regions of the Mediterranean Sea to create an infrastructure for the volcanic risk management life-cycle.
The MED-SUV Portal uses a simplified interface to allow users to discover and download satellite and in-situ data of the two Italian Supersites: Vesuvius/Campi Flegrei and Mt. Etna.

The Volcano Observations Thematic Core Service (TCS VOLC) facilitates long-term access to data and products from Volcano Observatories and Research Institutions across Europe. It aims to provide interoperable services and tools that allow seamless access to volcanological and geological data products, including seismic and geodetic datasets. Through collaboration and integration with initiatives such as EUROVOLC, FutureVolc, and MED-SUV, VOLC TCS consolidates a wide spectrum of volcanic research and monitoring capabilities.
● 5 Governing Bodies.
● Multiple Supersites (e.g., Iceland, Mt. Etna, Vesuvius/Campi Flegrei).
● Collaboration with at least 4 key European Organizations.

LEADERSHIP

● Coordinator: Danilo Reitano (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia).
● Chair(s): Kristin Vogfjord (Icelandic Meteorological Office).

CONSORTIUM COMPOSITION

● Member Organizations:
o France
National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP).
Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA) / Observatoire de Physique du Globe de Clermont (OPGC).
o Iceland
Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).
o Italy
National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
o Spain
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas / Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).
Instituto Geográfico Nacional / Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN).

DATA PROVIDERS

France
National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).
Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP).
Observatoire de Physique du Globe de Clermont (OPGC).
Iceland
Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO).
University of Iceland - Earth Science Institute (UI).
Iceland GeoSurvey (ISOR).
Natural Science Institute of Iceland (NSII).
Italy
National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
Spain
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas / Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).
Instituto Geográfico National (IGN).

CONTACT

● Leadership:
o Kristin Vogfjord vogfjord@vedur.is

The governance of VOLC TCS is structured into five core bodies, which collaboratively oversee the management and strategic direction of the service. These bodies ensure alignment with EPOS objectives and facilitate cross-disciplinary integration of volcanic research and monitoring resources.