There is no imminent threat of volcanic eruption on Tenerife in the short term, following recent seismic activity at Mount Teide.
Scientists from PEVOLCA describe anomalies in Teide’s underground activity but highlight the absence of signs of an eruption
Anomalous Activity
Experts from various disciplines, part of the Scientific Committee for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Volcanic Phenomena (CCES) under PEVOLCA, agree that the volcanic activity of Mount Teide can be considered anomalous. However, they emphasize that there are no signs of an imminent eruption in the short term, even though the likelihood of an eruption in the medium to long term has increased. This was already highlighted in our article Seismic Activity on Tenerife.
Increased Vigilance
The Canary Islands Minister of Territorial Policy, Cohesion, and Water, Manuel Miranda, called on the public to remain calm following an extraordinary meeting of the scientific committee. This came in response to uncertainty over recent seismic swarms recorded late last year in the area around Las Cañadas. Miranda stressed the importance of scientific research and continuous monitoring and assured that the Canary Islands government (El Gobierno) and the Tenerife Island government (El Cabildo de Tenerife) are committed to scientific accuracy and transparent communication to combat alarmism, fake news, and misinformation. As a medium, we support this approach and condemn any statements that fuel populism and fake news.
Risk Management Projects
Experts note that the seismic, geodetic, and geochemical changes observed since 2016 have shown a possible increase since 2022. This may be due to rising pressure in the hydrothermal system beneath Tenerife, warranting more intensive monitoring.
The minister emphasized that the Directorate of Emergency Services is currently collaborating with INVOLCAN and CSIC on projects to update and improve risk maps. He stated that “the best civil protection policy is based on information and transparency, ensuring that the population is well-informed and knows what to do in case of an emergency.” The findings of the scientific committee will be made public via the ministry’s website.
Scientific Findings
Scientists confirm that changes in gas emissions from Mount Teide have been observed since 2016, indicating increased pressure in the hydrothermal system. These changes are also linked to a pattern of seismic activity.
Seismic activity is primarily concentrated around Las Cañadas, the highlands of Adeje and Vilaflor, and remains significant beneath Mount Teide. In June and July 2023, a seismic swarm was recorded for the first time at a depth of over 30 kilometers, 40 kilometers beneath Santiago del Teide. Later in 2023, another swarm occurred at a depth of 17 to 23 kilometers beneath Las Cañadas. Less significant seismogenic zones have also been observed beneath Izaña and in the mountains of Arico.
No Immediate Threat
Experts emphasize that none of this data, either individually or collectively, provides sufficient evidence to suggest the possibility of an imminent eruption. The CCES, which advises Minister Manuel Miranda in his role as director of PEVOLCA, includes experts from the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, the Oceanography Institute, AEMET, CSIC, INVOLCAN, and the two public universities of the Canary Islands.
This multidisciplinary collaboration underscores the importance of a scientifically grounded approach to managing volcanic risks on Tenerife and protecting its population.
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No imminent threat of volcanic eruption ©
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