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Nisyros Geopark, an island geopark in the Southeastern Aegean Sea, Greece, is here presented as an official candidate for the UNESCO Global Geoparks designation, featuring outstanding geological, natural and cultural characteristics tightly connected to its volcanic origin. It covers a total area of 481 km2 and includes Nisyros, an active volcano and the main island, the surrounding islets of Pachia, Strongyli, Pergousa, Kandeliousa and the marine region among them. It features 24 geosites and a network of well-established walking trails. Furthermore, there are two internationally designated Natura 2000 areas covering its entire surface and also exceptional archaeological and cultural sites, including fortresses, remnants of ancient habituations and numerous churches and monasteries. It is the only area in the broader region of the Eastern Mediterranean that hosts all these features within such a restricted area. The initial efforts of the management body of Nisyros Geopark and its scientific team to promote its unique geodiversity included the complete design, construction and launch of the official website, the mobile application “Nisyros Volcano App’’, a modern informative leaflet regarding the region of the hydrothermal craters (Lakki), a Geopark guidebook and a series of panels and signs for the geosites.

Precise age determinations of volcanic deposits from the Late Pleistocene and Holocene are fundamental for hazard assessment. Retrieving accurate radiogenic ages typically relies on analysing specific minerals (such as zircon or sanidine), which are in many cases lacking in the deposits. We present a new Th-230-U-238 disequilibrium dating method by LA-ICP-MS for inclusion-bearing ilmenite, and discuss its details and challenges. The technique is tested on ilmenites from the 86.4 +/- 1.1 ka Aso-4 super-eruption, Japan, and from the Lower Pumice (63.1 +/- 4.7 ka) and Upper Pumice (58.4 +/- 2.7 ka) eruptions of Nisyros volcano, Greece. Ilmenites of the Aso-4 eruption produce well-defined global isochrons yielding ilmenite crystallisation ages of 89 +/- 10 ka (2s) and 81 +/- 15 ka (2s). Two-point isochron model ages from the Nisyros eruptions produce youngest population ages of 66.3 +/- 5.7 ka (1s) for the Lower Pumice and 61.2 +/- 4.4 ka (1s) for the Upper Pumice. The age determinations obtained during this study are compatible with data reported from conventional techniques. These results demonstrate the applicability of this new method to date young volcanic deposits in a quick, reproducible way, and without relying on zircon or K-bearing phases., Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 46 (3), ISSN:1639-4488, ISSN:1751-908X

The investigation of heterogeneous magma systems enhances the understanding of magma differentiation and transfer processes in active volcanoes, thus constraining the dynamics driving the eruptions and the related hazard. Magma heterogeneity is generally preserved in the coeval juvenile products of explosive eruptions, as it occurs in the Upper Pumice sequence, emplaced by the last sub-Plinian explosive eruption at Nisyros volcano (Greece). The deposit comprises a basal fallout, overlaid by pyroclastic density current units, followed by a lagbreccia level. White-yellow, porphyritic, rhyolitic pumices constitute the main juvenile component. Grey, crystalrich juvenile clasts (CRCs) are less abundant (up to 10-15%), and are characterised by three different texture types (Type-A, -B and -C), with specific recurrence in the different depositional units and well correlated to the magma evolution. In the basal unit CRCs occur as andesitic to dacitic lapilli with Type-A and -B vesicular textures associated with highly variable trace element and isotopic compositions. In the lag-breccia deposit, the juvenile clasts occur as bombs with crenulated or bread-crust surfaces, displaying diktytaxitic Type-C textures and less evolved andesitic compositions, covering a larger Nd-isotope range at lower Sr-isotopes compared to the others. The CRCs are interpreted as the result of the rapid cooling of more mafic magma blobs sequentially intruded in the cooler rhyolitic host magma, in which they attained variable textures by different undercooling conditions, due to their variable compositions. We suggest that a two-stage AFC (Assimilation plus Fractional Crystallisation) process occurred at different pressures, before intrusion in the host magma, accounting for their heterogeneous chemical and isotopic characteristics. Firstly, the most primitive melts variably assimilated gneissic wallrock at depth, acquiring a variable Nd-isotope signature. On the way to the surface, they later experienced shallow AFC processes within different small magma reservoirs, involving heterogeneous carbonate-rocks such as pure limestone, metasomatised marble and skarn. Sequential dynamics of ascent and intrusion into the rhyolitic magma chamber lead the more evolved and skarn-contaminated Type-A and -B melts to firstly move in the upper part of the reservoir to be erupted in the early fallout deposits. Type-C more mafic melts later intruded the rhyolitic reservoir and were erupted in the lag-breccia deposit. The lowest Nd-isotopes recorded by CRCs, with respect to all the volcanic products of the Kos-Nisyros volcanic field, reveal the peculiar transient history for these magmas at relatively shallow levels in the crust. The CO2 release from the carbonate-rock assimilation has also possibly contributed to trigger the explosive eruption, discharging a large amount of CO2 into the atmosphere.

This data article includes the description and the geochemical and mineralogical dataset of 67 pyroclastic rock samples from the Upper Pumice (UP) explosive activity of Nisyros volcano (eastern South Aegean Active Volcanic Arc). A detailed field and petrographic description of the studied outcrops and samples are reported, including representative photomicrographs and SEM images, whole-rock major and trace elements compositions of 31 representative samples and Sr-Nd isotope ratios on 22 selected samples. Analytical methods and conditions used for data acquisition are also reported. The UP eruption produced a stratigraphic sequence constituted by a basal fallout deposit, gradually substituted by pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposits; these are overlaid by a lag-breccia unit, and the sequence is closed by a grey ash flow level. The juvenile is mainly constituted by white-yellow, moderately crystalline pumice with rhyolitic composition and homogenous Sr-Nd isotope values. Variable amounts of dense, grey, crystalline juvenile lapilli clasts (CRC, Crystal-Rich Clast), with rounded shape and less evolved composition (andesite to dacite) are also present in the deposit. These mafic CRCs are peculiar due to their large variability in textures (from distinctive diktytaxitic to strongly fragmented structure without a defined fabric) and in the geochemical and isotopic composition. The data acquired were fundamental to reconstruct the complex and peculiar history of ascent, storage and differentiation/assimilation processes of these mafic melts before their intrusion into the shallow, rhyolitic magma chamber, with important implication on the possible eruption trigger during the more recent explosive phase of activity at Nisyros volcano. Moreover, the geochemical and isotopic analyses provide new original data to the general knowledge of the Aegean volcanics. All the data reported in this paper are related to the research article Braschi et al. (2022).

Highlights • Nisyros (rhyo)dacites are unhybridized melts extracted from a cumulate mush. • The peritectic crystallisation of amphibole buffers the composition of the melts. • High compatible element contents emphasise the role of cumulate resorption. • Crustal melting is not required to generate rhyolitic melts. • Peritectic melts are a common global endmember in the monotonous intermediates. The generation of continental crust of intermediate composition occurs predominantly in convergent margin settings, yet the mechanisms by which felsic, calc-alkaline arc magmas are generated remain poorly understood. Magma mixing appears to be a common process in voluminous intermediate arc rocks but the composition of the felsic mixing endmember is typically obscured by the mixing process. We investigate a suite of porphyritic (rhyo)dacitic magmas (65–72 wt.% SiO2) from Nisyros, a young stratovolcano in the Aegean arc, Greece. These magmas are not affected by shallow process such as hybridisation or crystal-melt segregation and thus offer a valuable insight into the origin of felsic melts at convergent margins. We find that the Nisyros (rhyo)dacites form through a reaction in which earlier-formed wehrlite cumulates in the deep arc crust react with melts to form amphibole. This implies that melt major element compositions are effectively buffered by a low-variance mineral assemblage to follow this peritectic boundary such that the silica content of melts extracted from the deep crustal hot zone is controlled by the amount of amphibole crystallised. The resorption of cumulates is pivotal in imparting a distinct trace element signature that is decoupled from major element systematics. For example, high compatible element contents and a strong amphibole signature (low Y and Dy/Yb) cannot be captured by simple crystallisation models and require cumulate resorption. Variable radiogenic isotope systematics indicate minor crustal contamination although assimilation is not proportional to silica content and hence not a main driving force behind the generation of felsic melts. Instead, the Nisyros (rhyo)dacites formed through melt-cumulate reaction processes prior to emplacement as mush bodies at shallow depth and partial eruption. Magma mixing only becomes an important process in the youngest unit on Nisyros. On a global scale, peritectic boundary melts are rarely sampled in the whole rock or melt inclusion record. Conversely, peritectic boundary melts do form a suitable felsic mixing endmember for the generation of voluminous “monotonous intermediate” magmas.

Estimating the quantity of CO2 diffusively emitted from the Earth’s surface has important implications for volcanic surveillance and global atmospheric CO2 budgets. However, the identification and quantification of non-hydrothermal contributions to CO2 release can be ambiguous. Here, we describe a multi-parametric approach employed at the Nisyros caldera, Aegean Arc, Greece, to assess the relative influence of deep and shallow gases released from the soil. In April 2019, we measured diffuse soil surface CO2 fluxes, together with their carbon isotope compositions, and at a depth of 80 cm, the CO2 concentration, soil temperature, and the activities of radon and thoron. The contributions of deep CO2 and biogenic CO2 fluxes were distinguished on the basis of their carbon isotope compositions. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA), performed on the measured parameters, effectively discriminates between a deep- and a shallow degassing component. The total CO2 output estimated from a relatively small testing area was two times higher with respect to that observed in a previous survey (October 2018). The difference is ascribed to variation in the soil biogenic CO2 production, that was high in April 2019 (a wet period) and low or absent in October 2018 (a dry period). Accounting for seasonal biogenic activity is therefore critical in monitoring and quantifying CO2 emissions in volcanic areas, because they can partially- or completely overwhelm the volcanic-hydrothermal signal.

The morphology and the activity of a submarine caldera, Avyssos, at the northern part of Nisyros volcano in the South Aegean Sea (Greece), has been studied by means of remotely operated underwater vehicle dives. The recorded time series of temperature and conductivity over the submarine volcano have been analyzed in terms of the Generalized Moments Method. The findings of the mathematical analysis shed light on the volcanic activity, but also on the morphology (shape) of the submarine volcano. The conductivity time series indicates the volcano is at rest in agreement with other types of observations. On the other hand, temperature fluctuations, which in general describe a multifractal process, show that the submarine caldera operates as an open system that interacts with its surroundings. This type of analysis can be used as an indicator for the state of activity and the morphological structure (closed or open system) of a submarine volcano.

Lavas and pyroclastic products of Nisyros volcano (Aegean arc, Greece) host a wide variety of phenocryst and cumulate assemblages that offer a unique window into the earliest stages of magma differentiation. This study presents a detailed petrographic study of lavas, enclaves and cumulates spanning the entire volcanic history of Nisyros to elucidate at which levels in the crust magmas stall and differentiate. We present a new division for the volcanic products into two suites based on field occurrence and petrographic features: a low-porphyricity andesite and a high-porphyricity (rhyo)dacite (HPRD) suite. Cumulate fragments are exclusively found in the HPRD suite and are predominantly derived from upper crustal reservoirs where they crystallised under hydrous conditions from melts that underwent prior differentiation. Rarer cumulate fragments range from (amphibole-)wehrlites to plagioclase-hornblendites and these appear to be derived from the lower crust (0.5–0.8 GPa). The suppressed stability of plagioclase and early saturation of amphibole in these cumulates are indicative of high-pressure crystallisation from primitive hydrous melts (≥ 3 wt% H2O). Clinopyroxene in these cumulates has Al2O3 contents up to 9 wt% due to the absence of crystallising plagioclase, and is subsequently consumed in a peritectic reaction to form primitive, Al-rich amphibole (Mg# > 73, 12–15 wt% Al2O3). The composition of these peritectic amphiboles is distinct from trace element-enriched interstitial amphibole in shallower cumulates. Phenocryst compositions and assemblages in both suites differ markedly from the cumulates. Phenocrysts, therefore, reflect shallow crystallisation and do not record magma differentiation in the deep arc crust.

Στο νησί της Νισύρου, σαν αποτέλεσμα της ηφαιστειακής δραστηριότητας και των ενεργών τεκτονικών διεργασιών, αναπτύσσεται ένα υδροθερμικό σύστημα, το οποίο παρουσιάζει πέντε τύπων επιφανειακές εκδηλώσεις: α) θερμές πηγές, β) ατμίδες γ) υδροθερμικούς κρατήρες, δ) θερμά εδάφη και ε) αναβράζουσες ηφαιστειακές λίμνες λάσπης. Οι αναβράζουσες ηφαιστειακές λίμνες λάσπης μπορούν να περιγραφούν και σαν όξινες θερμές πηγές ή ατμίδες, με περιορισμένη ποσότητα νερού, σε υψηλής θερμοκρασίας ηφαιστειακά περιβάλλοντα. Κατά την παρούσα μελέτη, ελήφθησαν δείγματα νερού και αποθέσεων από τον υδροθερμικό κρατήρα του Στέφανου. Η περιοχή του κρατήρα είναι το μόνο σημείο στο οποίο εμφανίζονται αναβράζουσες ηφαιστειακές λίμνες λάσπης στη Νίσυρο. Το νερό είναι ιδιαιτέρα όξινο (pH=2.4), με υψηλές συγκεντρώσεις θεϊκών (1375mg/L), λόγω του αερίου H2S) και θερμοκρασία κοντά στο σημείο βρασμού. Αποτέλεσμα του γεγονότος αυτού είναι η δημιουργία του στοιχειακού θείου σε κρυστάλλους που εντοπίζεται στις αποθέσεις. μαζί με προϊόντα της υδροθερμικής εξαλλοίωσης των περιβαλλόντων πετρωμάτων. Κατά τη χημική ανάλυση του νερού και των αποθέσεων εντοπίστηκαν υψηλές συγκεντρώσεις σε μια σειρά 1839 στοιχείων (π.χ. στο νερό: 55mg/L Fe; 19.5mg/L Zn, στις αποθέσεις: 430mg/Kg Pb; 72mg/Kg Cu; 60mg/Kg Cr) σαν αποτέλεσμα των διεργασιών της υδροθερμικής εξαλλοίωσης που λαμβάνει χώρα στην περιοχή., On Nisyros island as a result of the volcanic activity and active tectonic, a hydrothermal system develops and it is expressed by 5 types of surface manifestations: i) thermal springs, ii) fumaroles iii) hydrothermal craters, iv) hot grounds and v) mudpots. In general, a mudpot could be described as an acidic hot spring and fumarole with limited water which it is formed in high temperature geothermal areas. Water sample and depositions of mudpots collected, analyzed and studied from Stefanos hydrothermal crater, which is the only site on Nisyros Island, where mudpots occur. Mudpots water is very acidic (pH=2.4), with high sulfate concentration (1375mg/L), due to the H2S(gas) and temperature near the boiling point. As a result, elemental sulfur is found inside the depositions alongside with products of the hydrothermal alteration of the surrounding rocks. In the water and in the depositions were found high concentrations in several elements (e.g. in water: 55mg/L Fe; 19.5mg/L Zn, in depositions: 430mg/Kg Pb; 72mg/Kg Cu; 60mg/Kg Cr) reflecting the alterations processes which are taking place.

A27 cm thick, loose tephra deposits has been observed within coarse-grained colluvium at Cardak area of Denizli on the northern apron of the Acigol graben in western Anatolia, Turkey. It is a biotite-rich tephra with mean grain-size of coarse silt. Chemically it is dacite and rhyolite with average of 66.35% SiO2 and 4.70% alcalia (Na2O + K2O) in bulk analyses. It was deposited a time between 5380 +/- 90 and 2395 +/- 65 yrs cal. BP, possibly between 4750 and 3385 yrs cal. BP according to C-14 dating of two palaeosol layers within the colluvium. This is only and the thickest Holocene air-fall tuff layer found in terrestrial sediments in this region so far, and according to present knowledge there is no young volcanic source for such a formation in western Turkey. Analyses and comparisons of the analytic results with those of various young volcanic rocks suggest that the Cardak tephra originated from a volcanic source in the Aegean Sea. Besides, its geochemical composition, formation time and significant thickness represent probably a separate late Holocene explosive eruption in the eastern Mediterranean, apart from the Santorini event. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A27 cm thick, loose tephra deposits has been observed within coarse-grained colluvium at Cardak area of Denizli on the northern apron of the Acigol graben in western Anatolia, Turkey. It is a biotite-rich tephra with mean grain-size of coarse silt. Chemically it is dacite and rhyolite with average of 66.35% SiO2 and 4.70% alcalia (Na2O + K2O) in bulk analyses. It was deposited a time between 5380 +/- 90 and 2395 +/- 65 yrs cal. BP, possibly between 4750 and 3385 yrs cal. BP according to C-14 dating of two palaeosol layers within the colluvium. This is only and the thickest Holocene air-fall tuff layer found in terrestrial sediments in this region so far, and according to present knowledge there is no young volcanic source for such a formation in western Turkey. Analyses and comparisons of the analytic results with those of various young volcanic rocks suggest that the Cardak tephra originated from a volcanic source in the Aegean Sea. Besides, its geochemical composition, formation time and significant thickness represent probably a separate late Holocene explosive eruption in the eastern Mediterranean, apart from the Santorini event. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Εξετάζεται αμφίγραπτη εικόνα με την Παναγία και τον άγιο Νικόλαο, που φυλάσσεται στη Μονή της Παναγίας Σπηλιανής στη Νίσυρο. Από την αρχική ζωγραφική της εμπρόσθιας όψης με τη δεξιοκρατούσα Οδηγήτρια δεν σώθηκε τίποτα. Η πίσω όψη, με τον άγιο Νικόλαο χρονολογείται στο τελευταίο τέταρτο του 14ου αιώνα. Η εικόνα, αποτέλεσε πιθανόν προϊόν της καλλιτεχνικής παραγωγής της Ρόδου, δωρεά του ενοικιαστή της Νισύρου, ροδίτη άρχοντα Δραγονίνο Κλαβέλλη προς τους κατοίκους του νησιού., A double-sided icon of the Virgin and St Nicholas, preserved in the monastery of the Virgin Spiliani on Nisyros, is discussed On the front side, nothing has survived of the original painting of the Virgin Hodegetria with the Christ-Child on her right arm. On the rear side, the figure of St Nicholas is dated to the last quarter of the fourteenth century. The icon was probably painted in Rhodes and the was gift to the inhabitants of Nisyros from the lessee of the island at that time, the Rhodian nobleman Dragonino Clavelli.

Η περιοχή Κω – Νισύρου βρίσκεται στο ανατολικότερο άκρο του ενεργού ηφαιστειακού τόξου του νοτίου Αιγαίου, Τεταρτογενούς ηλικίας και περιλαμβάνει τα νησιά Κω και Νίσυρο και τις νησίδες του Γυαλιού, της Στρογγύλης, της Παχειάς και της Πυργούσας. Η ηφαιστειακή δραστηριότητα στη Κω χαρακτηρίζεται από Άνω – Μειοκαινικές ιγκνιμβριτικές (πυρομβριτικές) αποθέσεις και από Πλειοκαινικά – Πλειστοκαινικά ηφαιστειακά προϊόντα όπως τους ηφαιστειακούς δόμους, την πυροκλαστική ακολουθία της Κεφάλου, τους υδρομαγματικούς τόφφους και τον σε μεγάλη έκταση πυροκλαστικό σχηματισμό «τόφφο της Κω» (Kos Plateau Tuff) αποθέσεις του οποίου εντοπίζονται και στα νησιά της Καλύμνου, της Ψερίμου και της Τήλου. Η Νίσυρος είναι ένα στρωματοηφαίστειο δομημένο από Πλειοκαινικά ηφαιστειακά προϊόντα που αποτελούνται κυρίως από ανδεσίτες και βασαλτικούς ανδεσίτες πάνω στους οποίους αποτέθηκαν ασβεσταλκαλικά ηφαιστειακά προϊόντα δακιτικής – ρυοδακιτικής σύστασης με την μορφή πυροκλαστικών αποθέσεων, ροών λάβας και δόμων λάβας. Οι νησίδες του Γυαλιού, της Στρογγύλης, της Παχειάς και της Πυργούσας αποτελούνται από Πλειοκαινικούς δόμους ρυολιθικής (Γυαλί), ανδεσιτικής (Στρογγύλη) και δακιτικής σύστασης (Παχειά και Πυργούσα) οι οποίοι φιλοξενούν πυροκλαστικές αποθέσεις της ανώτερης κίσσηρης του Γυαλιού (Στρογγύλη) και ενότητες του τόφφου της Κω (ΚΡΤ) και της Παναγιάς Κυράς (Παχειά και Πυργούσα). Στη παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή στόχος είναι η πετρογραφική, ορυκτοχημική και γεωχημική μελέτη των ηφαιστειακών προϊόντων της ευρύτερης περιοχής Κω-Νισύρου και η αποτύπωση ηφαιστειακών δομών και μορφολογικών στοιχείων. Σκοπός είναι η κατανόηση της ηφαιστειακής εξέλιξης με την εξαγωγή συμπερασμάτων που αφορούν τη συγγενετική σχέση των μαγματικών προϊόντων, φαινόμενα μίξης, τους μαγματικούς θαλάμους και την επιφανειακή έκφραση αυτών (καλδέρες). Για το σκοπό αυτό μελετήθηκε η γεωχημική συγγενετική σχέση του τόφφου της Κω (Kos Plateau Tuff) στην Κω – Κάλυμνο – Τήλο και η γεωχημική διαφοροποίηση των πιο βίαιων και εκρηκτικών μονάδων D και E του ιγκνιμβρίτη της Κω επιβεβαιώνοντας τη στρωματογραφική συσχέτιση των αποθέσεων αυτών όπως έχει παρουσιαστεί από δεδομένα κυρίως φυσικής ηφαιστειολογίας. Από την πετροχημική μελέτη της περιοχής Κω – Νισύρου ως ένα ενιαίο «ηφαιστειακό σύμπλεγμα» προκύπτει ότι η ηφαιστειότητα της περιοχής διαχωρίζεται σε Μειοκαινική με προϊόντα όπως ο μονζονίτης και οι Μειοκαινικοί ιγκνιμβρίτες της Κω και σε Πλειο – Πλειοστοκαινική με ηφαιστειακά προϊόντα όπως οι δόμοι και τα πυροκλαστικά από την Κω, το Γυαλί και την Νίσυρο όπου διαφαίνεται η συγγενετική μαγματική σχέση των πετρωμάτων αυτών. Από τη μέθοδο της Συμβολομετρίας «Nomarski» προκύπτει ότι φαινόμενα μαγματικής μίξης/ανάδευσης είναι αναμφισβήτητα και παρέχουν αποδείξεις ότι τα φαινόμενα αυτά ήταν ενεργά καθ’ όλη την διάρκεια της εξέλιξης του ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου. Με την χρήση υπαίθριων παρατηρήσεων και τηλεπισκοπικών μεθόδων εντοπίστηκαν μορφές καλδερών στην ευρύτερη περιοχή Κω – Νισύρου οι οποίες χαρακτηρίσθηκαν και ταξινομήθηκαν σύμφωνα με νέες αντιλήψεις επί της ηφαιστειακής εξέλιξης. Στη συνέχεια μελετήθηκαν οι ηφαιστειακές δομές του ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου με την χρήση της Τηλεπισκόπησης μέσω της φωτοερμηνείας από δορυφορικές εικόνες και ψηφιακά υψομετρικά μοντέλα εδάφους και με την χρήση της γεωμορφομετρικής ανάλυσης συνδυάζοντας γεωμορφο-τεκτονικά χαρακτηριστικά του ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου όπως αυτά παρουσιάζονται από άλλους ερευνητές και νέες αντιλήψεις επί της ηφαιστειακής ανάπτυξη. Επίσης, παρουσιάζεται ένα μοντέλο πρωτο-καλδερικής, καλδερικής και μετα-καλδερικής εξέλιξης του ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου με βάση νέες αντιλήψεις επί της ηφαιστειακής εξέλιξης και σε σχέση με την στρωματογραφική του εξέλιξη. Τέλος, μελετήθηκαν οι υποηφαιστειακοί μαγματικοί θάλαμοι της περιοχής Κω – Νισύρου και τα φαινόμενα μίξης στο ηφαίστειο της Νισύρου με τη μέθοδο της Συμβολομετρίας «Nomarski» και την κατανομή των κύριων στοιχείων, ιχνοστοιχείων και σπανίων γαιών παρουσιάζοντας τον συγγενετικό χαρακτήρα αυτών των κέντρων, ορίζοντας την ευρύτερη ηφαιστειακή περιοχή Κω – Νισύρου ως ένα κύριο ηφαιστειακό κέντρο το οποίο χαρακτηρίζεται από ένα σύνθετο καλδερικό σύστημα. Η αειφορική διαχείριση του ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου είναι το μέσο με το οποίο μπορεί νε συνδυαστεί η ηφαιστειολογική εξέλιξη με την περιβαλλοντική διατήρηση και προβολή της ευρύτερης περιοχής ως γεωτόπου. Από την διερεύνηση της υφιστάμενης κατάστασης του νησιού διαπιστώνεται ότι ενώ η Νίσυρος διαθέτει ένα υψηλό περιβαλλοντικό, ενεργειακό, κοινωνικό, πολιτιστικό και οικονομικό δυναμικό, αυτό παραμένει ανεκμετάλλευτο και αναξιοποίητο λόγω της έλλειψης ενός ολοκληρωμένου σχεδίου αειφορικής διαχείρισης βάση του οποίου θα λαμβάνονται οι αποφάσεις ισότιμα, ισοδύναμα, ταυτόχρονα και αρμονικά. Με βάση την μελέτη των υδατικών πόρων, την καταγραφή του ενεργειακού δυναμικού από ανανεώσιμες πηγές ενέργειας, την διαχείριση του φυσικού και δομημένου περιβάλλοντος του ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου, την μελέτη των επιπτώσεων, θετικών και αρνητικών, της ύπαρξης εξορυκτικής βιομηχανίας στην περιοχή προτάθηκε ένα ολοκληρωμένο σχέδιο αειφόρου ανάπτυξης, προσαρμοσμένο στις απόψεις και τοποθετήσεις, της άμεσα ενδιαφερόμενης, τοπικής κοινωνίας. Από αυτό το ολοκληρωμένο σχέδιο προκύπτουν προτάσεις για την ολοκληρωμένη διαχείριση του ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου οι οποίες ικανοποιούν ισότιμα, ισοδύναμα, ταυτόχρονα και αρμονικά τις αρχές της αειφόρου ανάπτυξης στοχεύοντας στον επαναπροσανατολισμό της τοπικής οικονομίας, την διαχείριση του φυσικού και δομημένου περιβάλλοντος και την κοινωνική ανάπτυξη. The Kos - Nisyros study area is located at the easternmost edge of the active Quaternary volcanic arc of the southern Aegean Sea and includes the islands of Kos and Nisyros and the islets of Gyali, Strongyli, Pachia and Pyrgoussa. The volcanic activity of Kos island is characterized by Upper – Miocene ignimbrite deposits and Pliocene - Pleistocene volcanic products such as volcanic domes, the Kefalos pyroclastic sequence of hydromagmatic tuffs and the large-scale pyroclastic formation Kos Plateau Tuff (KPT) deposits which is also found on the Kalymnos, Pserimos and Tilos islands. Nisyros is a calcalkaline stratovolcano which consists of Pliocene volcanic products such as andesite and basaltic andesite lavas that are overlain by pyroclastic deposits, lava flows and lava domes of dacitic – rhyodacitic composition. The islets of Gyali, Strongyli, Pachia and Pyrgoussa represent Pliocene lava domes of rhyolitic (Gyali), andesitic (Strogyli) and dacitic composition (Pachia and Pyrgoussa) On these domes, pyroclastic deposits of the Upper Pumice unit of Gyali (in Strogyli) and pyroclastic deposits of the Kos Plateau Tuff (KPT) and Panayia Kyra formation (in Pachia and Pyrgoussa) have been identified. In this thesis, the volcanic products of the Kos-Nisyros area are examined using mineral chemistry, geochemical and petrographical methods, while volcanic structures and morphological features are identified and mapped using remote sensing techniques. The aim of this thesis is to understand the volcanic evolution of the study area, by drawing conclusions regarding the consanguineous relationship of the magmatic products, magma mixing phenomena and the magma chamber system of the area, as well as, the surface expression of this magma chamber system in the form of caldera structures. For this purpose, in this thesis, it is investigated the consanguineous relationship of the Kos Tuff (Kos Plateau Tuff) found on Kos, Tilos and Kalymnos islands, as well as, the geochemical differentiation of the most violent and explosive ignimbrite units D and E of the Kos Tuff, confirming the stratigraphic correlation of these deposits as it was previously presented by physical volcanology data. The petrochemical study of the Kos - Nisyros area as a single "volcanic complex" reveals that the volcanism of the study area is divided into a Miocene and a Pliocene – Pleistocene activity. The Miocene activity is characterized by magmatic and volcanic products such as the monzonite of Kos and the Miocene ignimbrites of Kos and the Pliocene – Pleistocene volcanic activity consists of volcanic products such as lava domes and pyroclastic deposits from Kos, Gyali and Nisyros volcanoes where it is revealed the consanguineous magmatic relationship of these Pliocene – Pleistocene products. Using “Nomarski” interferometry method it is revealed that magma mixing/mingling phenomena are unquestionable for the magma chamber system of Nisyros and provide evidence that these phenomena were active throughout the volcanic evolution of Nisyros volcano. Field observations and remote sensing methods revealed caldera structures in the Kos - Nisyros area which are identified and classified according to new perceptions regarding the volcanic evolution. The volcanic structures of Nisyros volcano are examined using remote sensing methods such as satellite image and digital elevation models interpretation, as well as, the geomorphometric analysis of the Nisyros terrain in combination with geomorphotectonic features of the volcano as presented by other researchers and new perceptions on the volcanic evolution. It is also presented a model of proto-caldera, caldera and post-caldera evolution of Nisyros volcano based on new perceptions on the volcanic evolution in relation to the stratigraphic evolution. Finally, it is studied the subvolcanic magma chamber system of the Kos - Nisyros area, as well as, mixing phenomena in the volcano of Nisyros using the “Nomarski” interferometry method and the distribution of major, trace and rare earth elements revealing the consanguineous nature of these volcanic centers by providing the widest volcanic area of Kos - Nisyros as a major volcanic center characterized by a complex caldera system. Sustainable development of Nisyros volcano represents a management tool which combines the volcanic evolution with the environmental preservation and can promote volcanic regions as geotopes. The investigation of the present conditions of the island reveals, despite the fact that Nisyros is characterized by a strong environmental, energy, social, cultural and economic potential, it remains undeveloped and unexploited due to lack of an integrated sustainable development management plan, based on which, decisions should be equal, equivalent simultaneously and in harmony. Based on the study of the Nisyros water resources, the energy potential from renewable energy sources, the management of natural and urban environment of the volcano of Nisyros and the study of the positive and/or negative effects of the mining industry in Gyali volcanic islet it is proposed an integrated sustainable development according to the views and the perspectives of the local community. From this intergraded plan are generated recommendations for an integrated management of the volcano of Nisyros which satisfy equal, equivalent, simultaneously and in harmony the principles of sustainable development aiming to refocus the local economy, the management of natural and urban environment and the social development.

In this work, we investigated the water–rock interaction processes taking place in the hydrothermal reservoir of Nisyros through both: (1) a review of the hydrothermal mineralogy encountered in the deep geothermal borehole Nisyros-2; and (2) a comparison of the analytically-derived redox potentials and acidities of fumarolic-related liquids, with those controlled by redox buffers and pH buffers, involving hydrothermal mineral phases. The propylitic zone met in the deep geothermal borehole Nisyros-2, from 950 to 1547 m (total depth), is characterised by abundant, well crystallised epidote, adularia, albite, quartz, pyrite, chlorite, and sericite–muscovite, accompanied by less abundant anhydrite, stilpnomelane, wairakite, garnet, tremolite and pyroxene. These hydrothermal minerals were produced in a comparatively wide temperature range, from 230 to 300 °C, approximately. Hydrothermal assemblages are well developed from 950 to 1360 m, whereas they are less developed below this depth, probably due to low permeability. Based on the R H values calculated for fumarolic gases and for the deep geothermal fluids of Nisyros-1 and Nisyros-2 wells, redox equilibrium with the (FeO)/(FeO 1.5 ) rock buffer appears to be closely attained throughout the hydrothermal reservoir of Nisyros. This conclusion may be easily reconciled with the nearly ubiquitous occurrence of anhydrite and pyrite, since R H values controlled by coexistence of anhydrite and pyrite can be achieved by gas separation. The pH of the liquids feeding the fumarolic vents of Stephanos and Polybote Micros craters was computed, by means of the EQ3 code, based on the Cl– δ D relationship which is constrained by the seawater–magmatic water mixing occurring at depth in the hydrothermal–magmatic system of Nisyros. The temperature dependence of analytically-derived pH values for the reservoir liquids feeding the fumarolic vents of Stephanos and Polybote Micros craters suggests that some unspecified pH buffer fixes the acidity of these reservoir liquids at values of 4.72–4.85 and 4.88–5.23, respectively. Many of these pH values are lower than those expected for the full-equilibrium condition, although they are close to those of the reservoir liquids of Nisyros-1, 5.16, and Nisyros-2, 4.87. It is likely that this excess of acidity-producing species, chiefly CO 2 , promotes release of Fe(II) and Fe(III) to the reservoir liquids through rock dissolution, permitting the attainment of redox equilibrium with the (FeO)/(FeO 1.5 ) rock buffer, as already suggested by the late Werner Giggenbach.

Στα πλαίσια αυτής της εργασίας επιχειρήθηκε ο εντοπισμός εκείνων των περιοχών στη νήσο Νίσυρο που εμφανίζουν αυξημένο κίνδυνο εμφάνισης κατολισθήσεων στα φυσικά πρανή εστιάζοντας στα ποιοτικά κριτήρια που τις επηρεάζουν (γεωλογία, κλίση, καμπυλότητα και προσανατολισμός πρανούς, υψόμετρο) και η δημιουργία ζωνών βαθμού κινδύνου εμφάνισης κατολισθήσεων για το σύνολο της περιοχής. Η μελέτη στηρίχτηκε στην υπέρθεση χαρτών που περιγράφουν τους παραπάνω παράγοντες, χρησιμοποιώντας ταυτόχρονα τα κατάλληλα βάρη ως προς την επιρροή τους στο φαινόμενο των κατολισθήσεων. Η επεξεργασία των δεδομένων και η εφαρμογή της μεθοδολογίας έγινε σε περιβάλλον Arc Map.

The recent volcanic activity at the eastern edge of the Aegean Volcanic Arc is limited within a neotectonic graben structure which is developed in an E-W general direction between the alpine basement of Kos Island to the north and the alpine basement of Tilos Island to the south. In between the boundary faults of the neotectonic graben there is an extended volcanic area comprising several individual volcanic centers, which penetrate through the thick post-alpine sedimentary deposits of the graben.

Almost three-quarters of known volcanic activity on Earth occurs in underwater locations. The presence of active hydrothermal vent fields in such environments is a potential natural hazard for the environment, society, and economy. Despite its importance for risk assessment and risk mitigation, the monitoring of volcanic activity is impeded by the remoteness and the extreme conditions of many underwater volcanoes. The morphology and the activity of the submarine caldera, Avyssos, at the northern part of Nisyros volcano in the South Aegean Sea (Greece), were studied using a remotely operated underwater vehicle. The recorded time series of temperature and conductivity over the submarine volcano have been analyzed in terms of the Generalized Moments Method. This type of analysis can be used as an indicator for the state of activity of a submarine volcano. Here, we expand the work conducted for the first time in 2018. We present the findings of the geological exploration and the mathematical analysis, obtained from the data collected in October 2010. The temperature and conductivity time series show minor fluctuations in a rather stable environment. Based on these results, the impact of developing appropriate mechanisms and policies to avoid the associated natural hazard is expected to be important.