The course was organised by the Natural Risks Assessment and Management Service (NRAMS-CSIC) and held 16-20 March 2026 in Tenerife (Canary Islands). It was taught by Dr Joan Martí and Dr Marta López Saavedra, co-directors of NRAMS and team members of the VOLCAN project, and with teaching support from Dr Gerardo Aguirre (National Autonomous University of Mexico).
In this third edition of the Field Course on Physical Volcanology, participants had five days of intensive fieldwork, during which they applied their theoretical knowledge in volcanology. The course had a strongly practical focus, with the main objective of understanding the geological and evolutionary history of a volcanic island such as Tenerife based on field observations. To this end, several sites of geological interest were visited, where participants could observe volcanic deposits such as dykes and lava flows, as well as large landslides, including those in the Icod and La Orotava valleys, formed by the collapse of volcanic edifices.
At each stop, theoretical explanations were combined with practical exercises aimed at helping participants learn how to describe and identify volcanic deposits, minerals and structures, and subsequently interpret the geological processes that formed them.
This edition brought together twelve participants from different parts of the world, including Arizona (USA), Mexico, Spain, Italy and Iceland. The group included participants at different academic stages (undergraduate, master’s, doctoral and faculty levels), and most had a background in geosciences, particularly volcanology.
Participants’ feedback on the course was very positive. They particularly highlighted the practical approach and the expansion of knowledge, as well as the opportunity to find new sources of inspiration applicable to their own research projects. They also appreciated the opportunity to expand their professional networks and open the door to future collaborations.
From the teaching team’s perspective, the experience was also highly rewarding, highlighting the value of bringing together participants from different parts of the world, which enables the exchange of knowledge and perspectives on volcanology at an international level.
Although the passage of Storm Therese over Tenerife during the course required some activities to be rescheduled, it did not significantly affect the overall development of the programme.
The fourth edition of the course is already planned for next year. If you do not want to miss the opportunity to study volcanology in the “open-air laboratory” offered by the island of Tenerife, follow us on social media to stay informed!