Editorial: Challenges in seismology to our understanding of volcanic islands and their magmatic unrest

Abstract

Volcanic islands are some of the most intriguing geological features on Earth, yet the processes that lead to their formation and evolution remain largely enigmatic. Such islands exhibit complex, heterogeneous and anisotropic subsurface structures, characterized by pronounced and abrupt changes in seismic velocities, attenuation, anisotropy, and interfaces. Volcanic islands are amongst the planet’s largest and fastest-forming geological features. They are sites of significant geohazards including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. Seismic monitoring is therefore crucial for detecting magmatic movements and issuing pre-eruptive warnings, as well as for understanding the internal structure of islands, thereby aiding in hazard and risk mitigation.