The five-day summer school (20-24 May 2024) entitled "Bridging the gap between volcano - tectonics and geochemistry" within the framework of the European Civic University Alliance (CIVIS) came to a successful conclusion on the island of Milos. The participants were undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students from eight European universities (Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Lausanne, Université libre de Bruxelles, Srockholm Universitet, Sapienza University of Rome, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Universitatea din Bucuresti), with the participation of the E.C.P.A. (Associate Professor Mrs. Nomiko Paraskevi, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment).
The volcanic environment of Milos has been intensively studied by young scientists under the direction of renowned professors from European universities, Mr Nomiko Paraskevi (E.K.P.A.), Mr Kilias Stefanos (E.K.P.A.), Mr Karavoltos Sotirios (E. K.K.P.A.), Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida (MIO/AMU), Gaël Erauso (MIO/AMU), and Andreia Rodrigues (MIO/AMU) on volcanology, tectonics, geomorphology, biogeochemistry and oceanography, through a series of interactive lessons, experiential workshops and educational lectures.
Milos, a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, is an ideal natural laboratory due to its intense tectonic and geomorphological features. The island is volcanically active (less than 3 million years old), controlled by active tectonic structures that create unique volcanic geomorphological structures. In the active hydrothermal field of Paleochori, covering an area of around 35 square kilometres, the students used modern oceanographic techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to study hydrothermal processes. The area is characterised by emissions of hot, acidic fluids (pH ~ 4.4, temperatures up to 122°C) and is a major source of trace elements such as arsenic and mercury. These geomorphological and hydrothermal features made Milos the ideal location for the summer school, which focused on the interaction between volcanism/hydrothermalism and morphotectonics.
During the experiential workshops, students had the opportunity to :
The Milos Summer School was a unique opportunity for students to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience in a natural laboratory, contributing to the development of young biogeoscientists with specialist skills and knowledge.
