Letizia Spampinato is volcanologist at the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) – Osservatorio Etneo (Italy), where she has been working since 2002. Her research profile focuses on Volcanology and Thermal Remote Sensing.
The primary field is volcanology, with a focus on volcanic activity, including:
– volcano eruption dynamics and processes, such as paroxysmal explosions, lava fountains, and ash plumes, often referencing Mt. Etna and Stromboli volcanoes,
– thermal remote sensing techniques, including the use of infrared cameras and radiometers for volcano surveillance and monitoring,
– studies on lava flow fields, their morphology, evolution, and effusion rate and volume estimations,
– investigation of eruptive mechanisms and triggering factors,
– pattern recognition in thermal parameters for volcanic eruption forecasting.
Letizia has also experienced thermal imagery on several active volcanoes worldwide (e.g. Kilauea, Masaya, Villarrica, Pacaya, Santiaguito, Poas, Erta’ Ale, Nyragongo, El Hierro). She has contributed to many multi-disciplinary studies of major eruptions, such as the 2002–2003 Etna eruption.
Actually, she coordinates the ‘Mt. Etna GSNL Supersite’ and carries out coordination activities in many EU and national scientific and infrastructure projects.
Contact email: letizia.spampinato@ingv.it