The continuous seismic activity of the Canary Islands archipelago has been the historical subject of research and studies, not only at a geological level, but also due to the growing concern of the population about a new and imminent eruption.
The latest earthquakes recorded in the Enmedio Volcanoan underwater formation located between Tenerife and Gran Canaria in recent weeks, has attracted everyone’s attention due to the series of earthquakes recorded in the area.
This phenomenon is not new in the archipelago, of volcanic nature, but the recent concentration of movements has aroused concern and curiosity for this enigmatic underwater volcano.
More than 30 earthquakes in 48 hours
The National Geographic Institute (IGN) reported a series of more than 30 earthquakes near the Enmedio volcano between September 12 and 14, 2024, increasing surveillance due to the possibility of abrupt changes in the tectonic or volcanic dynamics of the islands.
Most of these earthquakes had depths greater than 25 kilometers and moderate magnitudes, the strongest being a 3.6 tremor recorded in the early hours of September 12, with a depth of 33 kilometers.
IGN is closely monitoring activity in this area and has reported that monitoring continues uninterrupted due to the high activity which generally presents. According to experts, even though the seismic series was significant, there is still no clear sign of an imminent eruption.
An active underwater volcano
The Enmedio volcano is submerged at its base at about 2,100 meters deep, although its summit is only 500 meters below sea level.
This underwater mountain is part of the complex geology of the Canary Islands, an archipelago born from a volcanic hotspot that generated a network of volcanoes both on the surface and underwater.
Lava river next to erupting volcano.
Although Enmedio has not experienced a recent eruption, its constant seismic activity classifies it as an active volcano. Its strategic location, 25 kilometres southeast of Tenerife and about 36 kilometres northwest of Gran Canaria, makes it a latent threat to both islands.
Is there a risk to the population?
The Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands (Involcan) has been categorical in assuring that, although seismic activity in this area is not common, it is not “abnormal” either. According to their studies, “the probability of an earthquake in the area of the Enmedio volcano reaching a magnitude sufficient to cause damage is very low.”
In fact, it should be noted that the majority of earthquakes in this area are of tectonic origin and that the risk to the population is minimal.
Involcan also recalled other significant seismic episodes on the islands, such as the 4.4 magnitude earthquake recorded on January 18, 2019, or the 5.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred on May 19, 1989, in both directions across a large part of the archipelago without causing major damage.
These past experiences reinforce the perception that seismic activity between Tenerife and Gran Canaria is part of the geological life of the Canary Islands. But geology and seismology specialists insist that there is no reason to be alarmed.
The future of the volcano
Despite the calm that experts are trying to convey, the recent seismic activity in the area of the Enmedio volcano has put the authorities on alert. According to Itahiza Domínguez, director of the IGN in the Canary Islands, “the concentration of So many earthquakes in such a short time is unusual“, even if it is not necessarily dangerous.
In an average year, up to 600 earthquakes are recorded in this area, demonstrating the constant tectonic and volcanic activity of the region.
Teide Volcano, Tenerife.
IGN noted that while the possibility of an eruption at some point in the future cannot be completely ruled out, “the movements detected appear more related to tectonic constraints than to imminent volcanic activity.”
These types of stresses typically build up on active faults under the sea, generating small-magnitude earthquakes like those recently observed.
The importance of follow-up
The Enmedio volcano is not the only point of interest for scientists in the Canary Islands. Since the eruption of the Tagoro volcano in 2011, near the island of El Hierro, the scientific community has redoubled its efforts to monitor the underwater volcanic activity of the archipelago.
This monitoring is crucial to anticipate possible underwater eruptions which, although they do not have the same visual impact as a terrestrial eruption, can generate significant changes in the marine ecosystem and even affect navigation and tourism.
Seismic activity in the Canary Islands is also complemented by monitoring of Teide, the highest volcano in the archipelagowhere an increase in diffuse carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and an increase in microseismicity have been recorded.
However, Involcan clarifies that “there is no direct relationship” between the activity of Teide and the earthquakes in the area of the Enmedio volcano.
