Tenerife Sees Surge in Seismic Activity Near Las Cañadas Volcanic Complex
Increased seismic activity in Tenerife’s Las Cañadas volcanic complex, characterized by hundreds of recent micro-earthquakes, highlights ongoing hydrothermal and magmatic processes beneath Mount Teide.
Recent seismic activity in Tenerife has brought renewed attention to the Las Cañadas volcanic complex. Data from the National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan) shows an increase in small tremors, highlighting the ongoing geological activity beneath the island.
The two organizations report different numbers due to their varying monitoring methods. The IGN recorded 79 earthquakes between Thursday and Friday, while Involcan’s network detected over 200 micro-earthquakes in the southwest of the caldera over the last 48 hours. These tremors, classified as volcano-tectonic, occurred at a depth of nearly 10 kilometers with a maximum magnitude of 1.1.
Experts note that this is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern observed since mid-2017. They attribute the activity to the pressurization of the island’s hydrothermal system, caused by the movement of deep magmatic fluids. This behavior has been documented since 2016 and is tracked through a network of geochemical and geophysical sensors.
These recurring episodes underscore the importance of monitoring Mount Teide. While the volcano appears calm on the surface, it remains active internally. Continuous observation is essential for understanding the region's geology and ensuring the public receives accurate information, preventing unnecessary alarm over natural processes that are common in this area.