The recent seismic swarm at Teide, described as “anomalous” by the National Geographic Institute (IGN), does not indicate any immediate risk of eruption, according to IGN director Itahiza Domínguez. Although this activity, observed over a three-hour period, appears unusual, Domínguez clarified that it bears no resemblance to the seismic patterns that led to the volcanic eruption on La Palma.
Domínguez explained that while these seismic swarms are infrequent, they are not unprecedented, as the area around Las Cañadas del Teide has recorded similar events since 2016. He noted that while such swarms require close monitoring, they are characterised by very small, clustered earthquakes that do not impact the local population, unlike those on La Palma, which were felt strongly by residents.
The IGN director emphasised the need for vigilance but attributed the activity to Tenerife’s “inherent” volcanic dynamics, describing the island as “volcanically active.” He stated that there is no cause for alarm unless these swarms were to occur regularly, as this would then demand a more urgent analysis.
Domínguez also highlighted the challenges in assessing Tenerife’s volcanic activity, as no eruption on the island has ever been documented with modern instruments. Unlike past eruptions, which were only recorded through residents’ experiences, today’s monitoring relies on advanced technology, providing deeper insights into these swarms.
Describing the swarm as a “very specific event” that appears to have concluded, Domínguez reassured that such seismic activity is common in this area, where scattered quakes are recorded yearly. The IGN will continue to study these patterns to enhance understanding of Teide’s volcanic behaviour, though at present, there is no immediate indication of an eruption risk.
