# Italian volcanic gas monitoring advances > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-volcanic-gas-monitoring-advances > Updated: 2026-08-05T11:57:04.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. In July 2026 researchers began testing drone technology on Sicily’s Vulcano volcano to monitor gases and improve eruption forecasts. The following month a larger experimental campaign on Etna deployed a fleet of aerostatic balloons with multi‑parameter probes that measured SO₂, CO₂, H₂S and particulate matter in the eruptive plume, advancing three‑dimensional plume tomography and volcanic‑risk models. At the same time INGV, together with the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, identified a previously undocumented submarine crater off Panarea. Multibeam acoustic surveys under the IDMAR project revealed a 100 × 60 m depression at 60‑80 m depth, about 1.5 km north‑east of the island. A targeted ROV dive in July 2026 confirmed vigorous fluid release from the crater walls and a series of new hydrothermal chimneys. Lead scientists said the find suggests the need to reassess the extent of the submarine hydrothermal system, with implications for volcanic‑hazard assessments and ecosystem studies. These combined efforts broaden knowledge of both aerial and underwater volcanic processes in the Aeolian archipelago. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-05: Panarea submarine crater discovery uncovers new hydrothermal vents INGV and SZN discovered a 100 × 60 m submarine crater and new hydrothermal vents 1.5 km off Panarea, revealing a larger volcanic system and prompting updated hazard monitoring. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-volcanic-research-advances-with-etna-gas-monitoring-and-panarea-underwater-crater-discovery ### 2026-07-12: Drone technology tested on Sicily’s Vulcano volcano to monitor gases and aid eruption forecasts German, French and Italian teams are testing sensor‑laden drones on Sicily’s Vulcano volcano to measure gases, improve eruption forecasts and enhance safety for researchers. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drone-technology-tested-on-sicilys-vulcano-volcano-to-monitor-gases-and-aid-eruption-forecasts --- Cite as: Italian volcanic gas monitoring advances. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-volcanic-gas-monitoring-advances