Michelle Parks Elected Chair of Geo-GSN Initiative, Elevating Global Awareness of Geohazards
12 May 2026
Michelle Parks, an esteemed expert in deformation measurements and volcano monitoring at the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO), has been appointed Chair of the Geohazard Supersites and Natural Laboratories (Geo-GSN) initiative. She officially took on this significant role on May 7, 2026.
The Geo-GSN initiative is a global effort that tackles a range of geohazards, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and crustal deformation. Committed to open data sharing and leveraging satellite observations, it brings together scientific institutions, space agencies, monitoring organizations, and civil protection authorities. The primary goal is to enhance research, monitoring, and hazard assessment, ultimately ensuring that newfound knowledge informs decision-making and responses to natural disasters.
Parks has dedicated many years to researching Icelandic volcanoes, employing InSAR satellite measurements to monitor ground deformation. This work is crucial for understanding changes within volcanic systems, assessing magma movements, and ensuring the effective monitoring of active volcanoes. Her research portfolio includes studies on several significant volcanic sites, such as Bárðarbunga, Askja, Hekla, Katla, Eyjafjallajökull, Fagradalsfjall, and even the famed Santorini in Greece.
Her election as chair not only underscores her invaluable contributions to the field of geoscience but also highlights the robust expertise cultivated at the Icelandic Meteorological Office. It serves as a testament to the vital role of international collaboration in advancing the understanding and monitoring of natural hazards.
Photograph courtesy of Elisa Trasatti, capturing a moment from the Geohazard Supersites and Natural Laboratories initiative meeting.