A new seismic swarm has been registered in Tenerife, consisting of over 90 small earthquakes. According to the Canary Islands Seismic Network, operated by the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan), this episode forms part of the recurring 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 earthquakes of very low magnitude were recorded. These tremors are classified as volcano-tectonic (VT) events, which arise from the fracturing of rocks deep within the island’s volcanic system.
Involcan has explained that such seismic activity is related to the hydrothermal system of Teide, stressing 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 more than 120 seismic swarms, all associated with the ongoing pressurisation of the volcanic-hydrothermal system. This process occurs when magmatic fluids are injected into the subsoil, creating pressure that triggers small earthquakes.
The scientific community has monitored 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 insight into the dynamics beneath the island and help scientists assess potential risks.
No Eruption Risk in the Short Term
Despite the recurrence of these swarms, Involcan emphasises that there is no evidence of increased likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the short or medium term. The institute reassures residents and visitors that these events, though striking, are a natural and expected expression of an active volcanic system like Tenerife’s.
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 about the condition of Tenerife’s volcanic structures and to detect any signs of unusual activity at the earliest stage.
