UNICORNproject/Lava-platform_example-data

UNICORN Project - Lava emergency management platform example data

Partner: MITIGA, INGV-OE

Project: UNICORN

Overview

The lava tool developed in the Unicorn project represents a coherent and easy-to-access platform for emergency managers and other stakeholders that integrates:

1.     lava flow detection and monitoring through satellite imagery

2.     lava flow path forecasting and

3.     operational loss forecasting.

The platform is built upon information sourced directly from volcano observatories and has therefore been co-developed with INGV Osservatorio Etneo (INGV-OE), utilizing Etna volcano in Sicily as a use case. This dataset represents exemplary data produced by the lava platform for the June 2026 lava flow of Etna volcano. The individual files are explained below.

Note: the outputs included in this dataset are illustrative samples intended to showcase the system's capabilities, and do not represent final production outputs.

Explanation of individual files

example-report_June2026-eruption.pdf

This is the report that end-users signed up for the lava service receive upon triggering of the tool by INGV. It contains hazard maps, satellite imagery and impact forecasts for the ongoing eruption.  

example-hazardmap_medium-scenario_June2026-eruption.tif

This is the data behind the hazard map for the medium scenario shown in the pdf report in a geotiff format. Note that end-users are not receiving these data directly; this is only for exemplary purposes.  

example-simulation_medium-scenario_June2026-eruption

This is one example simulation file created by the system for the medium scenario. Note that end-users are not receiving these data directly; this is only for exemplary purposes.

 

Methodology summary

While the lava platform is built and maintained by Mitiga, its operational use depends on the local volcano observatory (the “operator”). The operator is distinguished from end-users, who only receive the final pdf report once the operator has launched the service. Once the observatory detects a new lava flow, it can trigger the lava service through an interactive website. The website asks for a number of parameters, some of which are mandatory (vent location and uncertainty, eruption start date and duration), and some are optional (effusion rate, final volume). The operator also has to indicate whether the eruption has ended or is still ongoing.

The service then runs on Mitiga computing systems following the below process:

1. Create eruption scenarios consisting each of a vent location and a flow volume. Vent locations are placed along a grid considering the vent location uncertainty. The flow volume is calculated:

• For finished eruptions: the flow volume is either provided or based on eruption duration and effusion rate.
• For ongoing eruptions: three future scenarios are considered, assuming a further duration of 2 hours, 1 day or 1 month. These durations are then combined with the effusion rate to calculate the flow volume.
• If the effusion rate is not provided by the user, default values for Etna volcano are stored on Mitiga systems.

2. For each scenario, lava flow simulations are run using the MrLavaLoba simulator, which was tuned to Etna eruptions.
3. The individual simulation footprints are combined into hazard maps.
4. The hazard maps are combined with building locations from Open Street Map to estimate possible impact of the eruption.
5. Pre- and posteruption satellite images are created using Sentinel-2 and MODIS data.
6. A pdf report is created and send by email to the operator and the end-user

The overall time from triggering the service to receiving the email is usually less than 30 minutes.

Application to the June 2026 eruption

The system was run for the 26th June 2026 eruption to demonstrate capabilities. The flow was active for around 8 days. The following parameters were used:

• Vent location 37.75452 / 15.005 with an uncertainty of 100m
• Duration: set to 168 hours (=7 days), so that the “medium scenario” by the platform should correspond to the final real lava flow placement
• Effusion rate: 0.05 106 m3/d