Marcello Carapezza (1925-1987), a pioneer of geochemical surveillance of active volcanoes

Marcello Carapezza (1925-1987) was an Italian geochemist and professor of Applied Geochemistry at the University of Palermo during the 1970s and 1980s. He is widely recognised as a man of culture and a pioneer in the field of geochemical monitoring applied to volcanic surveillance. Carapezza played a crucial role in developing the first apparatus for detecting the geochemical parameters of an active volcano, specifically on the island of Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands, where he established a system for the continuous transmission of data to a surveillance center. Carapezza's initiatives were instrumental in fostering the growth of an Italian applied geochemistry school. His contributions extended beyond research and teaching, as he actively engaged in popularizing scientific knowledge through the media. This article aims to present a portrait of Marcello Carapezza by highlighting some notable moments from his career as both a scientist and a promoter of scientific culture.