This expedition constitutes the third cruise of the MULTI-MAREX joint project of the mareXtreme research mission, an initiative of the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM). The  focus of the project is the Mediterranean region, which is regarded as a primary zone of volcanic and tectonic activity. Researchers use the latest methods and interdisciplinary collaboration to understand how geological processes trigger natural hazards and improve predictions. The M215 expedition, led by Prof. Dr. Heidrun Kopp from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, constitutes the third of three planned expeditions in this project during its inaugural phase. The expedition is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), in conjunction with the five northern German federal states.