Seismic activity in Tenerife has experienced a notable increase in recent weeks., something that has captured the attention of both citizens and institutions. The surge in small earthquakes beneath Mount Teide has once again brought the question to the fore: Is there a real risk of the volcano erupting?
Scientists from the National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan) They assure that the situation is under control. Although the island is volcanically active and is under constant surveillance, specialists rule out any clear signs of an imminent eruption.
Movement Count: What's Happening Under Mount Teide?
In the last ten days 34 low-intensity earthquakes have been recorded under Teide National Park.. None of them have startled the population, being of magnitude less than 1,7, but they have been carefully studied by surveillance teams. Most of these movements are concentrated in the heights of the La Orotava Valley and in the area of Vilaflor and Guía de Isora, even within the boundaries of the park itself.
The increase in seismic activity does not, in itself, constitute a warning of an eruption.The measurements, which have intensified since last summer following a sustained increase that began in 2016, point to the presence of magma pockets less than 10 kilometers deep beneath the crater, according to specialists who have been able to observe seismic tomography studies. These investigations, carried out by institutions such as Involcan and the University of Granada, shed light on the island's internal behavior.
Why does this phenomenon occur and how is it interpreted?
For nearly a decade now There is a trend towards seismic upswings and an increase in carbon dioxide emissions. in the vicinity of the volcano. Everything indicates a slow and gradual buildup of pressure related to the rise of magma. However, experts describe it as a natural process that, so far, There are no signs that it is about to erupt..
Itahiza Domínguez, director of the IGN in the Canary Islands, has recalled on several occasions that These episodes are "normal" for an active volcanic system.To put it in context, the largest earthquakes preceding the 2021 La Palma eruption reached much higher magnitudes and were detected and felt by the population, something that has not happened in Tenerife.
Scientific monitoring integrates the observation of numerous parameters: from ground movements to gas emissions and variations in ground deformation. This monitoring network is considered one of the most advanced in the world and allows authorities to react quickly to any significant changes that could affect life on the island.
Emergency protocols and high-risk areas
Following the recent events, meetings have been held between the Scientific Committee for the Evaluation of Volcanic Phenomena and island authorities to analyze the evolution of the phenomenon. Since 2016, anomalous patterns have been recorded, with some intensification since 2023.. Analysis of these data has led experts to strengthen surveillance and monitoring in several key areas: Las Cañadas, the peaks of Adeje, Vilaflor, and beneath Teide itself.
The Island Action Plan against Volcanic Risk (PAIV) indicates the western flank of the island, the Abeque ridge, as the site with the highest historical probability of eruption. This area has experienced several eruptions over the past 2.000 years, although the probability of one occurring in the short term is currently considered low.
The recent experience with the La Palma volcano has made the population more aware. and pay attention to warnings from authorities. However, emergency protocols are already in place and ready to act if seismic or volcanic activity changes significantly.
Message of reassurance and continuous monitoring
Local and national institutions insist on the importance of seeking information from official sources and avoiding alarmism. The Involcan volcanic traffic light remains green., a sign that, even if low-magnitude earthquakes occur, there is no risk of an eruption in the short term.
Constant monitoring, scientific research, and emergency protocols, along with the dissemination of verified information, constitute the foundation for an appropriate response to potential changes in the Teide volcanic system.
The recent wave of small earthquakes in Tenerife should be interpreted as part of the natural behavior of an active volcanic island. Thanks to analytical technology and rapid coordination between scientific and emergency agencies, the population can stay informed and safe, while keeping in mind that vigilance is key to anticipating any developments in the phenomenon.