The Museum of Science and the Cosmos (MCC) is currently hosting the exhibition “Ash and lava: Scientific revelations at the volcano.” This exhibition is organized by the three centers of the CSIC Delegation in the Canary Islands and Museums of Tenerife, and it focuses on the eruption of La Palma in 2021. It is the second science outreach exhibition organized by the Museum of Science and the Cosmos.
The exhibition aims to bring the public closer to the scientific aspects of the eruption. It features the collaboration of researchers from the Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA), the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), and the Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME), who share their experiences and scientific findings related to the volcano. The exhibition is a joint effort of the CSIC and Museums of Tenerife, marking the first time the three CSIC centers in the Canary Islands have worked together on a project.
The exhibition is divided into three main areas representing the scientific work carried out on land, at sea, and in the air during the eruption. The terrestrial section focuses on volcanology, biodiversity, and agrobiology. The sea section presents the work of the IEO, showcasing tools such as an oceanographic rosette and fragments of underwater lava flows obtained with a ROV robot. The air section highlights air quality control and the analysis of particles emitted by the volcano. The exhibition includes unpublished photos and videos, interactive and audiovisual material, and unique geological samples for visitors to see and touch.
Scientists involved in the exhibition express their enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase their work. Eugenio Fraile, an oceanographer and physicist at the IEO, praises the exhibition for accurately reflecting the experiences during the eruption. Pablo González, a volcanologist at the IPNA, emphasizes the significance of being able to study magmatic material that rose from great depths. Sergio Rodríguez, an Atmospheric Sciences specialist at the IPNA, highlights the analysis of respirable particles to understand their composition and potential health effects.
Overall, the exhibition “Ceniza y lava” provides an immersive and interactive experience, allowing visitors to delve into the scientific aspects of the La Palma eruption and gain a deeper understanding of its impact.
