Experts from "Erdbebennews" emphasise: "Despite the low magnitude: In this form, it is the largest earthquake that has been observed at Lake Laach in recent years." The other earthquakes also remained with magnitudes of 0.6 to 0.9 below the markability limit.
The epicentre of the earthquake swarm was therefore located on the west bank of the lake near the Maria Laach monastery, after which the lake was named. The events took place at a depth of seven kilometres below the earth's surface.
Only two days earlier, a "Deep Low Frequency Earthquake" (DLF) had occurred south of the volcanic lake in 32 kilometres, an earthquake caused by fluid movement in the volcanic magma system. According to the experts, a connection is likely.
Earlier, after DLF earthquakes, more near-surface earthquakes had been measured at the Ochtendung disturbance zone. "However, a whole earthquake swarm directly at Lake Laacher is new in this context." In addition, the experts described the earthquake swarm in this strength as unique so far.
Earthquake near Bonn – No sign of volcanic eruption
The experts continue to monitor the phenomenon closely. However, the process is not a cause for concern. DLF earthquakes were first detected in 2013 in the Eifel and have been observed since then. They are considered an indication of active magmatic processes, but not a sign of an imminent volcanic eruption.
Only on Wednesday morning (8. October) an earthquake was measured near Bonn. The quake reached a magnitude of 2.3 and was perceived by many people. According to the records, the epicentre was in Wachtberg near Meckenheim.
