A new seismic swarm has been reported in Tenerife, consisting of over 90 small earthquakes. According to the Canary Islands Seismic Network, which is operated by the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan), this episode is part of the ongoing seismic activity that the island has been experiencing since mid-2017.
Details of the Recent Episode
The swarm occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, 30 August, between 17:14 and 18:26, during which more than 90 low-magnitude earthquakes were recorded. These tremors are classified as volcano-tectonic (VT) events, originating from the fracturing of rocks deep within the island’s volcanic system.
Involcan has explained that this seismic activity is linked to the hydrothermal system of Teide and reaffirmed that this phenomenon is consistent with the natural behaviour of an active volcanic environment.
Eight Years of Recurring Activity
Since June 2017, Tenerife has experienced over 120 seismic swarms, all linked to the ongoing pressurisation of the volcanic-hydrothermal system. This process occurs when magmatic fluids are injected into the subsoil, creating pressure that induces small earthquakes.
The scientific community has been monitoring these events using a variety of indicators:
- Diffuse CO₂ emissions detected in the Teide crater.
- Subtle ground deformations observed since 2024 in the northeastern sector of the Teide–Pico Viejo complex.
These measurements provide valuable insights into the dynamics beneath the island and assist scientists in assessing potential risks.
No Eruption Risk in the Short Term
Despite the recurrence of these swarms, Involcan stresses that there is no evidence of an increased likelihood of volcanic eruption in the short or medium term. The institute reassures residents and visitors that, although these events may be striking, they are a natural and expected expression of an active volcanic system like that of Tenerife.
Continuous Monitoring
Involcan continues to monitor the island closely using a combination of seismometers, GNSS stations, and geochemical analysis tools. This ongoing surveillance allows experts to provide continuous, reliable information regarding the condition of Tenerife’s volcanic structures and to detect any signs of unusual activity at the earliest opportunity.
