Study of volcanic, seismic and tsunami risks in the Canary Islands and Macaronesia: integration of monitoring, models and university education for resilience.

Macaronesia (Azores, Madeira–Selvagens, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde) constitutes a natural laboratory for studying the interaction between intraplate volcanism, regional seismicity, and coastal hazards. This paper presents an integrated approach to assessing and communicating volcanic, seismic, and tsunami risks in the Canary Islands and their Macaronesian context, combining: (i) multiparametric monitoring data (IGN, INVOLCAN, CIVISA/IPMA), (ii) geophysical synthesis of the mantle structure beneath Macaronesia, and (iii) active learning experiences with university students. Case studies include the Tajogaite–Cumbre Vieja eruption (La Palma, 2021), with pre-eruptive seismic swarms, Strombolian emissions, and lava flows that affected infrastructure and necessitated evacuations; and the seismicity associated with volcanic systems and faults in the Canary Islands and Azores. The danger of tsunamis from volcanic landslides (prehistoric megatsunamis) and the UNESCO IOC NEAM early warning framework (with IPMA, INGV, CENALT, KOERI, NOA, PTWC, among others) are also discussed. Preliminary results show that integrating monitoring networks, propagation models, and educational activities based on real data improves risk understanding and community preparedness.

Goals

• To characterize the main geological hazards in the Canary Islands and Macaronesia (active volcanism, regional seismicity, and tsunami generation/propagation), integrating historical and instrumental data.
• Analyze the Tajogaite case (La Palma, 2021) as a recent example of risk management and civil response, highlighting lessons for monitoring and reconstruction.
• Exploring tsunami scenarios associated with volcanic flank collapses and early warning mechanisms in the NEAM region (capacities and limitations).
• Develop a program of academic activities with UNED students.

Methodology

• Data sources: IGN seismic catalogs (1585–2022), IPMA/CIVISA in the Azores, volcanic monitoring bulletins (IGN/INVOLCAN), and recent literature (Frontiers, MDPI).
• Analysis: review of eruptive chronologies and swarms (La Palma 2021), mapping of hypocenters and magnitudes, synthesis of mantle structure (tomography/seismicity), and evaluation of tsunami scenarios due to landslides.
• Alert framework: NEAMTWS (IOC ‑UNESCO), functions of NTWCs (IPMA, INGV, CENALT, KOERI, NOA) role of the PTWC/ITIC in interoperability.

Activities

• Seismic data practice (IGN/IPMA): download the catalog for the Canary Islands/Azores; filter by period, magnitude, and depth; visualization and heat map of hypocenters; discussion of active patterns (pre/post ‑eruptions).
• Analysis of the Tajogaite case (2021): timeline of previous seismicity, eruptive evolution, impacts on infrastructure and population; use of bulletins and technical articles (Frontiers/MDPI/IGN).
• Tsunami workshop: review of megatsunami deposits in the Canary Islands and basic wave attenuation modeling; coastal exposure maps; connection with Tsunami Ready (IOC).
• Macaronesian Geodynamics Seminar: Critical Reading of the Plume vs. Tectonics Debate; Implications for Risk; Relationship with Biodiversity and Human Occupation on Islands (Socio-environmental Context).

Results

• Technical skills: handling seismic catalogs and volcanic reports (IGN/INVOLCAN/IPMA/CIVISA), signal reading, and construction of hazard and exposure maps.
• Integrated risk understanding: connection between tsunami monitoring, geodynamics and warning in the NEAM system, with criteria for interpreting warnings and model limitations.
• Lessons from 2021 on La Palma: recognition of pre-eruptive indicators, evacuation logistics and reconstruction (slow cooling of lava flows, gases, geotechnical heterogeneity).
• Impact on resilience: improving community preparedness and a culture of prevention in island environments by connecting science, education, and citizens through replicable activities.

Bibliography

• IGN: Seismic Catalogue of the Canary Islands 1341–2022 (maps and relocations 1975–2000).
• IPMA/CIVISA: seismic networks and maps for Azores/Madeira.
• Geodynamic Macaronesia: Frontiers 2023 (mantle and plume review/alternatives).