Lucía Sáez Gabarrón, a passionate volcanologist, embarked on her academic journey in Geography and later specialised in Environmental Geology, Disaster Management, and Geographic Information Systems.
With diverse experiences at renowned institutions like INVOLCAN and IGN, Lucía's expertise in remote sensing, fieldwork, and volcanic monitoring contributed to the scientific and civil protection response after the eruption of La Palma volcano.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience in the field of geography and in geological risk analysis and Disaster Risk Reduction, especially regarding your work with the recent eruption on La Palma? What initially drew you to the field of studying volcanoes, and what motivates you in this area of research?
I studied Geography and Spatial Planning at university, followed by specialised master’s degrees in environmental Geology focusing on geological risks, Intervention and Operational Coordination in Emergencies and Disasters, Disaster Management, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Then, I received a scholarship at INVOLCAN, the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands, where my specialisation in volcanic risk began. I then worked at the IGN, focusing on volcanic monitoring in volcanology. Currently, I'm at the Spanish Geological and Mining Institute, concentrating on issues related to La Palma island's volcano.
My interest in volcanoes was awakened during my ERASMUS stay in France by a professor who was an expert in natural hazards and came from Reunion Island, with a deep knowledge of volcanic risk. My experience at INVOLCAN was my definitive professional approach to the field.
‘My interest in volcanoes was awakened during my ERASMUS stay in France by a professor who was an expert in natural hazards and came from Reunion Island’.
How does scientific research, particularly in volcanology, contribute to civil protection measures during volcanic eruptions? Could you elaborate on specific instances where scientific insights directly influenced civil protection strategies during the eruption on La Palma?
Scientific research, especially in volcanology, is fundamental to understanding and forecasting volcanic phenomena. This allows Civil Protection authorities to make informed decisions during an eruption. Even for scientists, volcanic terrain is uncertain, as in the case of La Palma, where there was no instrumental knowledge of a previous eruption with similar characteristics, making it difficult to predict its evolution. However, there was good knowledge of the phenomenon in general.
Civil Protection needs to build on this knowledge and rely on scientists. There were daily meetings between scientific experts and Civil Protection representatives during the eruption on La Palma.
My involvement focused mainly on field work: gas, rock, and water sampling. In addition, we cleaned ash-covered solar panels so that the installations could continue to function properly. We also carried out additional GPS measurements to the existing fixed ones to monitor movements. After the eruption, we were able to approach the crater for further gas and vent sampling and other measurements.
‘Even for scientists, volcanic terrain is uncertain’.
For those readers who are not familiar with what happened on La Palma, could you elaborate a little?
The eruption of the La Palma volcano, located on the Spanish island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, began on 19 September 2021 and was one of the most prominent volcanic events in that region in decades. The eruption originated in the Cumbre Vieja area, specifically at the Cumbre Vieja volcano, with the opening of a series of volcanic fissures. These fissures released lava flows that affected several areas, destroying homes, crops, and property as they spread towards the ocean. The advance of lava towards the sea formed new volcanic platforms and generated toxic clouds due to the interaction between lava and water.
The eruption of the La Palma volcano is a reminder of volcanic activity in specific geographic areas, underlining the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and rapid response to protect communities affected by these natural events.
‘These fissures released lava flows that affected several areas, destroying homes, crops, and property as they spread towards the ocean’.
How was the collaboration between scientific experts like yourself and civil protection authorities during the recent volcanic activity on La Palma?
For example, during volcanic activity, increases in volcanic tremor were sometimes detected, indicating a potential increase in explosiveness, and requiring people or civil protection authorities near the volcano to move away. This is one of the many ways in which science and civil protection can collaborate.
Overall, the collaboration was complex but very positive in its complexity, as it was crucial to maintain effective communication. Despite the differences between state and regional volcanology agencies, an effort was made to avoid discrepancies during the emergency. The response improved compared to the previous eruption on El Hierro in 2011 (lessons learned were applied). There are always areas for improvement, but overall, the response was adequate given the situation.
How was the collaboration between scientific experts like yourself and civil protection authorities during the recent volcanic activity on La Palma?
For example, during volcanic activity, increases in volcanic tremor were sometimes detected, indicating a potential increase in explosiveness, and requiring people or civil protection authorities near the volcano to move away. This is one of the many ways in which science and civil protection can collaborate.
Overall, the collaboration was complex but very positive in its complexity, as it was crucial to maintain effective communication. Despite the differences between state and regional volcanology agencies, an effort was made to avoid discrepancies during the emergency. The response improved compared to the previous eruption on El Hierro in 2011 (lessons learned were applied). There are always areas for improvement, but overall, the response was adequate given the situation.
‘It was crucial to maintain effective communication’.
You recently participated in the last edition of the YCPP event in Brussels with a presentation on your work as a volcanologist. Could you give us your impressions about your participation in this event?
My impression was very positive. I appreciated the opportunity to participate in the event with young professionals from other countries involved in Civil Protection but in sectors different from mine. I also had the opportunity to present my work during the Pitch Series which was a very rewarding experience. I believe that these events are a very good opportunity to foster a strong sense of community between the younger generations involved in civil protection at European level.
‘These events are a very good opportunity to foster a strong sense of community’.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your involvement in studying the eruption on La Palma?
It is difficult to single out just one aspect. It was a privilege to experience a case like La Palma at first hand, studying a phenomenon that I am passionate about. During the eruption, we experienced mixed feelings as we observed the phenomenon that we study and love, but which at the same time is so devastating both in material and human costs. In this sense, there is also a satisfying part in the help that scientific knowledge and experience offer to citizens because the goal of our work is that society can live with these phenomena and to reduce the damage of the eruptions as much as possible.
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