She is Katya Krafft,
without her, volcanology as we know it would not be the same.
Volcanology is the science that studies volcanoes, and it was precisely Katya Krafft
who decided to dedicate her life to studying these giants of fire. Katya was born in France
on April 17, 1942; her first name was Catherine
Josephine Conrad. Through photos and books, she fell in love with volcanoes at the age of 7
She convinced her parents to travel to Italy to visit Mount Etna, her first love,
and the most active volcano in Europe. Katya studied Geology at the University of Strasbourg
there, she met her future husband and travel companion for research, Maurice Krafft.
Together, they traveled the world in search of the most spectacular active volcanoes.
regardless of the risk, they always wanted to be as close as possible to the interior
of the Earth. The couple would camp near the volcanoes to witness everything.
Katya focused on taking photographic records of all their expeditions and
the materials ejected by these giants, such as molten lava, rocks,
minerals, and gases, like never seen before. The Kraffts created
several films and books where they showcased the power of volcanoes, their strength, their
characteristics, the materials expelled, but above all, their beauty and grandeur.
These records were of great value to the scientific community because volcanoes had never been
studied so closely before.
Additionally, they worked with some governments to develop evacuation plans
and preventive measures that have helped thousands of people worldwide.
In 1991, Katia died doing what she loved most,
by the side of the person she loved the most. On June 3 of that year, the couple climbed
Mount Unzen in Japan, which was active for the first time in over
200 years. Unfortunately, that was the last time Katya and Maurice
saw a volcano. The pyroclastic flow, a blazing cloud, quickly overtook them,
trapping them and making them part of the volcano
forever.
Currently, the Krafft Medal is awarded to those who
contribute to the field of volcanology, as well as those who
provide service and assistance to vulnerable populations affected by volcanoes.