INGV launches VT-CLAIM AI project to study climate, volcanic and tectonic interactions

The Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) has started the VT-CLAIM project (Volcano, Tectonic and Climate‑Atmosphere Interactions through AI and Multi‑source Data Integration) as part of its Dynamic Planet 2026‑2029 programme. The initiative seeks to create a unified scientific framework that links climate change, volcanic activity and tectonic processes by integrating satellite observations, field measurements, advanced numerical models and artificial‑intelligence techniques.

VT-CLAIM will build a Data Backbone platform and an AI Discovery Engine to analyse massive data streams and identify causal relationships, which will later be validated with physical models. The consortium involves 120 researchers from 17 partner institutions across five nations – Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Iceland and Australia – and will focus on three high‑dynamics regions: Iceland, the Mediterranean (especially Etna and the Aeolian Islands) and the polar areas.

According to the project document, “VT‑CLAIM punta a sviluppare un nuovo quadro scientifico per analizzare le possibili connessioni tra questi fenomeni attraverso l’integrazione di osservazioni satellitari, misure sul campo, modelli numerici avanzati e tecniche di Intelligenza Artificiale.” The ultimate aim is to improve forecasting tools and deepen understanding of natural‑hazard risks in a changing climate.