Welcome to the Maurice and Katia Krafft photographic collection website
Discover the largest collection of images on volcanology.
The Maurice and Katia KRAFFT fund
The Maurice and Katia Krafft collection is a veritable scientific and heritage treasure trove devoted to volcanology.
Comprising over 300,000 never-before-seen images, it’s a testament to the couple’s unwavering commitment to, and passion for, the study of volcanoes all around the world. In addition to an exceptional collection of photographs, the archive includes some 800 hours of film, capturing spectacular eruptions and volcanic landscapes from across the continents.
The collection also includes a large number of scientific works and publications on volcanology, as well as personal objects that belonged to Maurice and Katia Krafft.
These artifacts bear witness to their journeys, their expeditions, and their unique contribution to the understanding of volcanic phenomena.
BETWEEN AWARENESS-RAISING AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS
For Maurice and Katia, their commitment to raising awareness of volcanic hazards was an important part of their lives. Throughout their expeditions, they studied eruptions and observed the behavior of volcanoes to better understand these natural phenomena.
In addition to scientific research, their aim was to inform and educate the people living in volcanic areas. Through films, lectures, and books, they shared their knowledge of the warning signs of imminent eruptions and the precautions to be taken. They worked hand-in-hand with local communities to explain how to behave in the event of danger.
The couple also stressed the importance of early warning systems and international cooperation to better manage the risks. Their work has helped to save lives by increasing preparedness for eruptions.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
The work of Maurice and Katia Krafft has been fundamental to modern volcanic research. Their pioneering approach, combining field studies and direct observation with raising public awareness, has led to a better understanding of eruption mechanisms and their impacts. Thanks to their research, numerous advances have been made in reducing the risks posed by volcanic hazards, most notably in the development of early warning systems.
Their photographs and films, which document eruptions in unique ways, continue to be invaluable resources for scientists.
