The second edition of the International Volcanology Course Olot (La Garrotxa) – La Palma began this Monday, October 12, with all 25 available places sold out. The program, which connects two key European volcanic territories, attracts students from 11 different countries: Spain, Argentina, Germany, Canada, Colombia, France, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, Uruguay, and Chile.
The inaugural event was attended by the Councilor for Tourism and City Promotion, Gemma Canalias; the director of Espai Cràter, Clàudia Coll; the director of the Fundació d’Estudis Superiors, Estel Guillaumes; the technician from the Natural Heritage Area of the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, Emili Bassols, and the course directors, Dr. Adelina Geyer and Dr. Xavier de Bolós.
Until October 24, participants will engage in an intensive program combining theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and field trips in La Garrotxa and La Palma. Topics covered will include physical volcanology, petrology, volcanic stratigraphy, applied geophysics, volcanic monitoring, risk management, and the study of historical eruptions.
This training is the result of a collaboration between La Garrotxa, La Palma, and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), thus connecting two significant volcanic regions with one of the country's leading scientific research bodies. The organization is led by Geociències Barcelona (GEO3BCN-CSIC), coordinated by the Olot City Council (Espai Cràter, Fundació d’Estudis Superiors d’Olot, and DinàmiG), the Island Council of La Palma, and the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcànica de la Garrotxa, with support from the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI).
The academic direction is led by Dr. Adelina Geyer and Dr. Xavier de Bolós, from the Applied Volcanology Team at GEO3BCN-CSIC. The faculty comprises 15 experts and researchers from leading international research centers and universities, including the CSIC, the University of Barcelona, Sapienza Università di Roma, the Instituto Geográfico Nacional, and the Universidad de La Laguna. As a new development, the course is recognized by the Fundació Universitat de Girona as an Expert Diploma (Postgraduate) equivalent to 11 ECTS credits.
Concurrently with the course, several public activities have been scheduled in Olot and La Palma to bring volcanology closer to the public. Notably, a lecture by Dr. Meritxell Aulinas, titled “What is true about what we know about volcanoes? From urban legends to fake news,” will take place on October 16 at Espai Cràter in Olot, and will be repeated in La Palma on October 23. These events are part of Cràter Obert, the month of volcanology at Espai Cràter.
