500 earthquakes on and around Tenerife have been the subject of discussion among seismologists this past week.
Last week, Tenerife was once again the epicentre of notable seismic activity, with approximately 500 recorded earthquakes on and around the island. While this number sounds impressive, experts emphasize that this phenomenon primarily serves as a reminder of the island’s volcanic nature, without immediate cause for alarm.
Remarkable
The Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) reported three particularly notable earthquakes in the Canary Islands. One occurred on La Palma, a second between Tenerife and Gran Canaria near the underwater volcano Enmedio, and a third earthquake, measuring 1.8 in magnitude at a depth of just two kilometres in the Las Cañadas natural area.
This last earthquake particularly attracted the attention of scientists and seismologists, mainly due to its unusual location. Normally, little seismic activity is recorded directly under Mount Teide, making this an extraordinary occurrence.
Increased monitoring
Ithaiza Domínguez, director of IGN in the Canary Islands, discussed this during the TV programme “Ponte al día” on Televisión Canaria. He emphasized that despite this remarkable location, “there is no reason for concern, but we obviously remain vigilant regarding further developments.”
Domínguez confirmed that IGN had already intensified monitoring over recent months, but this vigilance has recently been strengthened even further. IGN always monitors the situation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They have ample information, but given recent events, they are stepping up their surveillance even further. Should the number of earthquakes of this specific type increase, seismologists would certainly become concerned.
Not like on La Palma
Ithaiza Domínguez also stated that the current situation is not comparable to a so-called swarm or cluster like the one observed prior to the last volcanic eruption on La Palma. “If we were currently experiencing such an earthquake swarm as before the eruption on La Palma, the situation would be different, but that is not the case at this moment,” said Domínguez.
Domínguez further emphasized that the current situation significantly differs from what was observed on La Palma before the 2021 eruption. He stated that if Tenerife were currently experiencing a seismic swarm comparable to that of La Palma at that time, the situation would indeed be entirely different. However, that is currently not the case.
Greater awareness
The expert also stressed how important it is for residents, policymakers, and the media to remain well-informed about volcanic risks. According to him, this can help limit the impact of potential future situations and prevent unnecessary panic. Domínguez: “The population, politicians, and media must be well-informed. This can prevent a lot of trouble, as otherwise, unnecessary unrest will arise.”
These earthquakes on Tenerife are part of a broader pattern of seismic activity observed on the island in recent years. While most of these earthquakes are very weak and imperceptible to residents and visitors, the fact that so many occur in such a short period is remarkable and deserves the attention of both scientists and policymakers.
Guy Devos © Photography
500 earthquakes on and around Tenerife ©
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