Volcanic hazard monitoring and assessment in Europe within the ARISTOTLE-ENHSP framework

ARISTOTLE-ENHSP (All Risk Integrated System TOwards Transboundary hoListic Early Warning European Natural Hazard Scientific Partnership) is a European scientific consortium that provides rapid, authoritative scientific advice on major natural hazards to support EU Civil Protection and Emergency Management (ERCC). It delivers 24/7 multi-hazard near–real-time scientific assessments to support decision-makers during major events, including Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanoes, Severe weather, Forest fire and Flooding. Within the consortium the volcano hazards group provides assessments for all Pan-European volcanoes, delivering scientific advice through routine monitoring and emergency report during episodes of volcanic unrest or eruption. The group, consisting of INGV, IGN, IMO, IVAR/CIVISA, and KNMI, each with a specific role and area of expertise, forms the European Volcanic Observatories Network (EVON). Routinely 3-times per week, the group scans the European volcanoes within each area of competence, raising awareness in the case of significant changes in unrest and/or an ongoing volcanic activity. Assessments are made based on volcano activity levels and potential impact. Volcanoes showing activity above background with a yellow alert status or higher on the decision matrix are included in the weekly multi-hazard monitoring report, contributing to the provision of a transboundary assessment and to the development of an early-warning system at European level.