Thursday, September 19, 2024 In an extraordinary display of geological activity, the Canary Islands have experienced a staggering 30 earthquakes in just 48 hours, as reported by the National Geographic Institute (IGN). The seismic events, which occurred between September 12 and 14, were triggered by eruptions from the Enmedio volcano, an underwater volcano situated between the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The summit of the volcano lies just 500 meters below sea level, and its recent activity has led to increased tremors in the region.
The flurry of seismic activity is not an isolated event. Between September 7 and 12, the same underwater volcano erupted 39 times, adding to the string of tremors that have unsettled the region. The most powerful earthquake recorded during this period was a 3.
6 magnitude tremor on September 12, which occurred in the early hours of the morning. While these earthquakes are relatively common in the Canary Islands, the frequency of these recent tremors is cause for heightened attention from both local authorities and residents. Despite the intensity and frequency of the seismic events, experts from the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands (Involcan) have assured the public that the likelihood of these tremors causing significant damage to the islands is low.
Involcan stated: “The probability of an earthquake in the area of the Enmedio volcano reaching a magnitude sufficient to cause damage is very low.” Although the tremors are not expected to pose an immediate threat to the region, the increased seismic activity has reignited concerns over volcanic hazards in one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. The Enmedio volcano, often overshadowed by its larger and more well-known volcanic counterparts in the Canary Islands, is an underwater volcano located between Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
It lies approximately 40 kilometers off the coast of both islands and is part of a larger volcanic system that has shaped the Canary Islands over millions of years. While the Enmedio volcano is submerged beneath the ocean, its activity can still have significant impacts on the surrounding region, particularly in the form of earthquakes. The summit of the Enmedio volcano rests just 500 meters below the surface of the sea, making it one of the shallower underwater volcanoes in the Atlantic Ocean.
Its eruptions, while not visible from the surface, can generate seismic waves that are detected across the Canary Islands. This recent surge in activity, which saw 30 earthquakes in a span of just 48 hours, has drawn attention to the volcanic dynamics of the region and the potential risks they pose. The magnitude 3.
6 earthquake recorded on September 12 was the most significant event during the recent spate of activity. While this magnitude is considered moderate and unlikely to cause substantial damage, it was strong enough to be felt by some residents on Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The tremors serve as a reminder of the geologically active nature of the Canary Islands and the potential for future volcanic and seismic events.
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are known for their volcanic origins. The archipelago was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and its landscapes are dominated by volcanic features such as craters, calderas, and lava fields. Some of the most famous volcanoes in the region include Mount Teide on Tenerife, the highest peak in Spain, and the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge on La Palma , which recently erupted in 2021.
The volcanic history of the Canary Islands has contributed to their unique landscapes, attracting millions of tourists each year. The islands’ dramatic mountains, black sand beaches, and geothermal features are a direct result of their volcanic origins. However, the same geological forces that have shaped the beauty of the Canary Islands also pose a potential threat to the region’s residents and infrastructure.
In recent years, volcanic activity in the Canary Islands has become more frequent. The most notable recent event was the eruption of Cumbre Vieja on La Palma, which began on September 19, 2021, and lasted until December 13, 2021. This eruption lasted for 85 days, making it the longest volcanic eruption in La Palma’s history.
Although no fatalities were reported, the eruption caused significant destruction, with more than 1,000 homes destroyed and 43 miles of roads covered by lava. The La Palma eruption serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by volcanic activity in the Canary Islands. While the recent earthquakes in the Canary Islands have raised concerns, experts have stressed that there is no immediate cause for alarm.
The Canary Islands are located in a tectonically active region where volcanic activity and seismic events are relatively common. The Enmedio volcano, in particular, has been active for thousands of years, and its eruptions and the associated earthquakes are considered part of the natural geological processes of the region. According to Involcan , the probability of a major earthquake or volcanic eruption occurring as a result of the Enmedio volcano’s activity is low.
The earthquakes generated by the underwater volcano are unlikely to cause significant damage to the islands themselves, as the energy released by these events tends to dissipate before reaching the surface. Nevertheless, the recent increase in seismic activity has prompted authorities to monitor the situation closely. Despite the low risk of a major earthquake, the increased seismic activity could have indirect effects on the Canary Islands.
For example, frequent tremors can cause disruptions to local infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Additionally, the psychological impact of living in a seismically active region can create anxiety among residents and tourists, particularly given the memory of the 2021 La Palma eruption. The Canary Islands are one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The islands’ volcanic landscapes are a major draw for tourists, with attractions such as Mount Teide on Tenerife and Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote offering visitors the chance to explore volcanic craters, lava fields, and geothermal features. However, the recent earthquakes and the memory of the La Palma eruption have raised questions about the balance between promoting tourism and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. Tourism is a vital part of the Canary Islands’ economy, contributing significantly to the GDP and providing employment for thousands of people.
The unique volcanic landscapes, warm climate, and accessibility from Europe have made the islands a year-round destination for travelers seeking sun, adventure, and natural beauty. However, the region’s geological instability poses challenges for both local authorities and the tourism industry. The recent earthquakes have not led to any major disruptions in tourism, and the Canary Islands remain open to visitors.
However, the potential for future volcanic eruptions or more significant seismic events is a concern for both residents and the tourism industry. The 2021 La Palma eruption, which caused widespread destruction and displaced thousands of people, highlighted the need for preparedness and mitigation strategies in the event of future volcanic activity. Local authorities in the Canary Islands have implemented measures to monitor volcanic activity and provide early warnings in the event of an eruption.
Involcan and other scientific organizations play a crucial role in tracking seismic activity, analyzing data, and providing information to the public. These efforts are designed to minimize the risks associated with living and traveling in a volcanically active region. As the Canary Islands continue to experience periodic seismic and volcanic activity, the challenge for local authorities and residents will be to balance the region’s natural beauty and geological hazards with the needs of the tourism industry.
While the recent earthquakes caused by the Enmedio volcano are unlikely to pose a major threat, they serve as a reminder of the region’s geological volatility. For the time being, life in the Canary Islands continues as normal, with residents and tourists going about their daily routines. The islands remain a top destination for travelers seeking stunning landscapes, unique volcanic experiences, and a warm climate.
However, the increased seismic activity has prompted a renewed focus on disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable tourism practices. In the long term, the Canary Islands will need to invest in infrastructure that can withstand seismic events and volcanic eruptions. This includes building more resilient homes, roads, and public facilities that can endure the stresses of living in a geologically active region.
Additionally, authorities will need to continue working with scientific organizations like Involcan to improve early warning systems and provide clear communication to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency. For travelers, the Canary Islands remain a unique and attractive destination, offering stunning volcanic scenery, rich cultural experiences, and warm weather year-round. However, as the region grapples with the realities of living in a volcanically active area, balancing tourism with safety and sustainability will be a key challenge moving forward.
The islands’ resilience in the face of natural disasters, coupled with their commitment to monitoring and preparedness, will be essential in ensuring that the Canary Islands continue to thrive as both a home to its residents and a destination for millions of visitors from around the world..
