Geohazard in marine and coastal volcanic areas is commonly in relation with flank collapses or slope instability, submarine volcanism and the entrance into the sea of lava flows or pyroclastic currents. These processes are frequently responsible for the generation of tsunamis that can hurt nearby coastal areas. Furthermore, through the marine record of explosive volcanism (recovery and study of tephra layers) it is possible to enlarge the knowledge on the eruptive history of a volcanic area and on the eruption frequency, with implications on volcanic hazard assessment.
These studies take advantage of the cooperation with other institutions (University of Roma, CNR-IGAG, INGV) and the Italian Civil Protection Department.