Contribution to Community social objectives

HOTSPOT contributes in general to understand better the earth we live on and its too often unexpected behaviour. Such an understanding is a social objective and a social value. HOTSPOT contributes to higher level research, to scientific and technological skills by preparing an observational basis for challenging research efforts on a global scale. By its networking among the most pronounced researchers, both internally in Europe as well as by initiating research efforts, for studying the Iceland plume dynamics on a more international scale, HOTSPOT will advance European objectives of higher education and high quality research. HOTSPOT concentrates its infrastructure geophysical preparation to the center of the Iceland Hotspot activity. The infrastructure is the base for research which has the potential of understanding how large-scale eruptions may build up there in the future, as well as large deformation or rifting episodes and large earthquake potential. This is of great significance for people living in Iceland, a significant contribution to improving the quality of life, health and safety. But this is also of a great significance for all Europeans. Volcanic eruptions in Iceland may have direct influence on conditions for life in a large part of Europe. Understanding on a long-term basis when a large eruption might start there and the expected severity, as well as short-term warnings for it, are a significant social objective. Awareness of natural hazards which may have strong influence of the life of people, are a basis for all risk mitigation efforts and preparations for helping actions. Understanding the need of cooperating and helping each other in risk situations or after catastrophes is increasingly a social objective with increased cooperation.