The VolcaMotion project: Integrating Geophysical, Geological, and Geochronological Data to understand Flank Instability of Macaronesian Volcanoes

Volcanic flank instability poses a significant geohazard, particularly in oceanic island settings. Since September 2023, the VolcaMotion project has been investigating the mechanisms and timing of volcano flank instability across the Macaronesian archipelagos (Cape Verde, Canary Islands, and Azores), integrating geological, geochronology and geophysical data. We combine detailed geological structural mapping of exposed volcanic edifices with high-resolution topographic surveys, including ground deformation monitoring, to study both active and past deformation patterns. This approach allows us to characterize shear/dilation fault and fracture networks and potential slip surfaces associated with flank instability. In October 2024, we carried out the first field campaign aiming to better constrain better volcano-tectonic structures and geochronology in El Hierro (Canary Islands). In this communication, we present the overall objectives and approach of the VolcaMotion project, as well as the preliminary results after completing its first year. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, the VolcaMotion project will generate, over the next few years (2023-2027), a comprehensive understanding of volcanic flank instability processes in diverse geological settings and contributes and thus contribute to improved risk mitigation strategies for coastal communities in the Macaronesian archipelagos.