L'Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) started VT-CLAIM (Volcano, Tectonic and Climate-Atmosphere Interactions through AI and Multi-source Data Integration), the new research project developed within the Dynamic Planet 2026-2029 program, with the aim of understanding the relationships between climate change, volcanic activity and tectonic processes.
VT-CLAIM aims to develop a new scientific framework to analyze the possible connections between these phenomena through the integration of satellite observations, field measurements, advanced numerical models and Artificial Intelligence techniquesThe project goes beyond the traditional approach of studying these phenomena separately, adopting a vision of the Earth system in which climate, volcanic activity, and tectonic processes are considered components of a single, complex and interconnected whole.
Among the most innovative aspects of VT-CLAIM there is the development of an integrated platform (Data Backbone) and an AI-based discovery engine (AI Discovery Engine) capable of analyzing large amounts of data and identifying possible causal relationships between climatic, volcanic, and tectonic phenomena, subsequently validated through physical models and field experiments.
The launch of the project was accompanied by a coordination meeting at theINGV Etna Observatory, aimed at defining the scientific programme and the four-year work plan.
Coordinated by Gaetana Ganci, Senior Researcher of the Etna Observatory Section of the INGV, VT-CLAIM involves 120 researchers from 17 partner institutions spread across 5 countries (Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Iceland and Australia)., bringing together expertise in volcanology, seismology, geodesy, geochemistry, climatology, oceanography, cryosphere and Artificial Intelligence.
Activities will focus on three areas of particular scientific interest: Iceland, the Mediterranean region (with a particular focus on Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands), and the polar regions. The project's results will contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between climate and geodynamic processes, fostering the development of new tools for research and the study of natural hazards.
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