Luckily the volcanoes near Santorini haven't had any really big eruptions for many years. Residents of the islands have been able to live peacefully, enjoying the beautiful island scenery. In fact, because of past eruptions (including one HUGE eruption thousands of years ago), Santorini has a very dramatic and beautiful landscape that makes it a popular destination for tourists. However, the steep cliffs and scenic caldera (water-filled middle "harbor" of Santorini offer a hint at the powerful forces at play beneath the surface.
A big eruption of the volcanoes near Santorini could come in the future. It's easy to see how the volcanic forces in this area have dramtically shaped places like Santorini in the distant past, and thanks to the work of scientists like those aboard the JOIDES Resolution right now, these powerful forces are being monitored with sensors that could detect early signs of a future eruption and provide warnings to the people who live in this region. Our continued investigations of the Hellenic Arc Volcanic Field lead to a better understanding of what's happening beneath the sea and how it may impact the people who call this environment home.
The best way to avoid a big disaster is to be prepared. People near this system of volcanoes are getting ready by learning more about the volcanoes. And that's exactly why this expedition is important. We are drilling into the ocean floor to pull up long tubes of muds and rocks that were produced when these volcanoes exploded in the past.
