2025-10-03
Volcanology, history and archaeology: bringing the world of physical sciences closer to the humanities
Guest Editors: Daniele Musumeci 1, Stefano Branca 2, Sandro de Vita 3, Franco Foresta Martin 4,5
1 Dipartimento di Scienze umanistiche, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
2 Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Etneo, Catania, Italy
3 Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione Osservatorio Vesuviano, Napoli, Italy
4 Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia INGV, Sezione di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
5 Laboratorio Museo di Scienze della Terra, Isola di Ustica, Palermo, Italy
Among the physical sciences, volcanology is one of the most highly interdisciplinary subjects, bringing together geological, geomorphological, geophysical, historical-literary, archaeological, and socio-economic skills. These diverse skills are essential for an all-round understanding of volcanic phenomena and their impact on the environment and human settlements. The historical reconstruction and the philosophical analysis of past and present scientific theories allows to define the origins and the development of the scientific-cultural paths, advancing our knowledge of volcanic phenomena. In particular, the study of the relationships between eruptions and human communities, together with the social, economic, and urban consequences, involves all these disciplines and others again, such as chemistry, palaeoanthropology, medical sciences, engineering, architecture, and art history.
More and more often volcanological and archaeological studies take advantage of geophysics and archaeometric techniques for prospecting investigations and material analysis.
This Special Issue aims to compile a collection of scientific and technical papers that stem from the interaction of various disciplines, enhancing our understanding of the connections between volcanism, the environment, and human communities. Additionally, case studies demonstrating the combined application of diverse investigative techniques to identify areas of interest for non-invasive exploration are welcome.
Closing of the submissions: 30 November 2025
The accepted papers are scheduled for publication in a special issue of Annals of Geophysics, which is expected to be released by early 2026.
In preparing manuscripts, authors must follow Annals of Geophysics’ author guidelines
Papers must be submitted via the online submission system of Annals of Geophysics under the “Section”:
"Special Issue: Volcanology, History, and Archeology"