Greece's Earthquake Planning & Protection Organisation (OASP) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) in the context of monitoring the Greek volcanic arc on a 24-hour basis and of assessing volcanic threat.

The collaboration aims at technical know-how exchange in assessing volcanic threat, in managing and expanding volcano-monitoring networks, and in operational assistance by INGV during times of seismic or volcanic crisis.

On the basis of the MoU, OASP requested the assistance of INGV in installing and operating geochemical machines on Thera (Santorini) and the island complex within the caldera that are necessary to monitor activity effectively. 
OASP and INGV work groups are already on Thera and the caldera islands for research as of Monday (Marh 17) and will remain there through Friday (March 21).

Some of INGV's work includes taking samples of gases and water on Nea Kameni Palea Kameni or in the sea off them, and possible installation of temperature and electrical conductivity gauges in two locations of subterranean waters of Thera.