Volcanoes Erupting All Over

[XPan]

Campi Flegrei, Italy
24 Jan 2025

An interesting article was published from Nature Geoscience, via the german volcano site Vulkane.net about the unsettled Campi Felgrei Caldera near Naples/Napoli, Italy:

Campi Flegrei: Neue Studie zur Schwefelwasserstoffanomalie - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Internationales Forscherteam entschlüssele in den Campi Flegrei eine Schwefelwasserstoffanomalie durch magmatischen Einfluss.

www.vulkane.net

Campi Flegrei: New study on the hydrogen sulphide anomaly
24 January 2025 by Marc Szeglat

International research team deciphers hydrogen sulphide anomaly due to magmatic influence

Campi Flegrei is a large caldera volcano in southern Italy that has been making headlines for years because the ground has been rising since 2005. This process has accelerated in recent years and has been accompanied by numerous earthquakes that have shaken the building fabric of the region around Pozzuoli. In the last few days there have again been swarm earthquakes and the latest weekly bulletin from the INGV once again confirms a ground uplift of 10 mm per month and the long-term trend of pressurisation of the system.

For a long time, scientists have disagreed about the nature of the system:
do ground uplift and earthquakes originate in the hydrothermal system of the volcano, in which deep waters circulate, or is it a magmatic system in which the ground uplift is caused by an intruding magma body? This is where a new study conducted by a team of researchers from the Vesuvius Observatory of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV - OV) in collaboration with the University of Palermo, the University of Cambridge and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute comes in. The study, entitled ‘Escalation of caldera unrest indicated by increasing emission of isotopically light sulfur’, was published today in Nature Geoscience.






The researchers investigated a significant anomaly
in the gas composition of the fumaroles in the Solfatara dei Campi Flegrei: since the end of 2018, the concentration of hydrogen sulphide, a sulphur compound in the fumaroles, has increased significantly. This change indicates an increasing contribution of magmatic gases originating from rising magma in the Earth's crust. A correlation was also found between the increase in seismicity and the increase in hydrogen sulphide concentration in the gases.

Professor Alessandro Aiuppa from the University of Palermo
explains in a press release that the analysis shows that the observed fluctuations in the composition of the fumaroles are not exclusively due to surface hydrothermal processes. The study emphasises that the sulphur anomaly observed in the fumaroles is due to an increasing contribution of gas from the magma feeding the volcanic system of the Phlegraean Fields, which supports the hypothesis of magmatic involvement in the current bradyseismic crisis of the Phlegraean Fields.

The increasing proportion of magmatic gases leads to the heating of the system, which intensifies the seismicity in Campi Flegrei and contributes to the release of sulphur from hydrothermal minerals. The magma is said to accumulate at a depth of between 6 and 9 kilometres.





The study uses data from regular gas sampling and numerical modelling based on a unique data set since 1980.
It indicates that increasing sulphur releases point to a possible gradual reactivation of the volcanic system, but without signalling an imminent eruption. The researchers emphasise the importance of continuous multi-parameter monitoring in order to better understand and control the dynamics of the system.

Paradigm shift
Ultimately, the study once again confirms the paradigm shift that research has undergone over the past year in relation to the Campi Flegrei bradyseismos. Other studies have also come to the conclusion that the bradyseismological crisis is not solely an effect of the hydrothermal system, but that magma accumulates at depths of up to 4 kilometres.

Depending on the study, different models of the magma body are used. But in every model, molten magma at depth provides the energy that the hydrothermal system needs to heat up. The old hypothesis that circulating deep waters and other fluids cause bradyseismos independently of an active magma body seems to be becoming increasingly obsolete. (Source: Nature Geoscience)

END OF ARTICLE, Vulkane.net

 

[XPan]

Fentale & Dofan, Ethiopia
24 Jan 2025

More articles from Vulkane.net - where this article describes the fascinating changes that have been going on under those two volcanoes Fentale and Dofan in Ethiopia.

Äthiopien: Interferogramm zeigt Deflation am Fentale - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Erste Statements von Forschern zur Magmenintrusion in äthiopischer Awash-Region.

www.vulkane.net

Ethiopia: Interferogram shows deflation at Fentale
24 January 2025 by Marc Szeglat

Initial statements from researchers on magma intrusion in the Ethiopian Awash region

For a few weeks now, we have been kept in suspense by the events surrounding a magma intrusion in combination with a rifting process in the Ethiopian part of the East African Rift Valley near Awash. Yesterday, a new interferogram of the ground deformations in the region was published by an unofficial body. It shows that subsidence occurred at Fentale between 10 and 22 January, while uplift continued in the north of the area at Dofan volcano. It looks as if the magma of the vein is migrating from Fentale towards Dofan.

Shortly after the onset of subsidence at Fentale
the mysterious cloud formation appeared over the caldera.



The authors of the scientific website ‘Il Mondo dei Terremoti’ have now provided a new attempt to explain the phenomenon: the subsidence caused by the deflation caused the caldera floor and groundwater to sink and approach the magma body. Due to the increased heat flow, the groundwater evaporates and diffuse gas leaks occur. In combination with the increased humidity, this leads to condensation, causing clouds to form directly above the volcano.



The satellite data on ground uplift between 29.12.24 and 10.01.25
was also officially re-evaluated and summarised in an interferogram. This confirms a complex pattern of large-scale intrusion associated with a rifting process. The ground uplift actually reached up to 130 centimetres in some places. The ground deformations extend from the Fentale volcano in the south to behind the Dofan volcano in the north of the Awash region and follow the course of the rift valley.

Although the seismic crisis associated with the rifting process and magma intrusion has weakened, one or two quakes with magnitudes in the quadruple range are still recorded every day. According to the above-mentioned article, more than 154 earthquakes with a magnitude of M ≥4 have been recorded since the beginning of the crisis, including 12 quakes with M ≥5.

The authors are of the opinion that even without a visible volcanic eruption, this is one of the most fascinating volcanic events of recent years. If this phenomenon had occurred in another part of the world, it would probably have received far more media attention.

END OF ARTICLE

 

[XPan]

Mount Cameroon / "Mongo ma Ndemi", Cameroon
14 Jan 2025

Kamerunberg: Thermische Anomalie detektiert - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Thermische Anomalie am Kamerunberg emittiert Wärmestrahlung mit 22 MW Leistung

www.vulkane.net

Kamerunberg: Thermal anomaly detected
24 January 2025 by Marc Szeglat


Thermal anomaly on Mount Cameroon emits thermal radiation with a power of 22 MW

In Cameroon, a medium-strong thermal radiation with a power of 22 MW was detected at the volcano of the same name. The measurement was taken at 1:40 a.m. using MODIS data and is displayed on the MIROVA platform. The thermal anomaly emerges from the central area of the measurement field, which indicates that it originates from the crater of Mount Cameroon and was not caused by a vegetation fire on the volcano flank. In the summit crater of Mount Cameroon there is a permanent crater lake surrounded by fumaroles on the rim.



Speculating
As there are no further reports or information on the current processes at this volcano in West Africa, we can only speculate that the heat anomaly is caused by an increased emission of hot gases. It is therefore possible that the Kamerunberg volcano is showing signs of an imminent eruption.

Last eruption: 2012
The last confirmed eruption of Mount Cameroon occurred in 2012, when tourists on the mountain heard loud explosions and observed rising volcanic ash. There is also scientific documentation of an eruption in 2000, during which there was both explosive and effusive activity that lasted for several months.

About Mount Cameroon

Mount Cameroon (internationally known as Mount Cameroon) is the highest mountain in West Africa with a height of around 4,040 metres. In the local language it is called ‘Mongo ma Ndemi’, which translates as ‘mountain of greatness’. The complex stratovolcano has a second peak, the so-called Fako, which towers above the main peak with the crater. The volcano is said to have been active for at least three million years, which is an unusually long period of time for a volcano.

The 1,600-kilometre-long Cameroon Volcanic Line
Mount Cameroon forms the centrepiece of the approximately 1,600-kilometre-long Cameroon Volcanic Line, which also includes the Lake Nyos maar. Lake Nyos was the scene of one of the worst natural disasters in West Africa in recent decades: in 1986, carbon dioxide stored in the water was suddenly released. The heavy cloud of gas travelled across the ground and suffocated 1,700 people in their sleep.

END OF ARTICLE

 

[XPan]

Puracé / Los Coconucos complex, Columbia
23 Jan 2025

Vulkan Puracé steigert Aktivität - Vulkane Net Newsblog

In Kolumbien stößt der Puracé nach einer Ascheeruption größere Mengen Schwefeldioxid aus – Anwohner reagieren besorgt.

www.vulkane.net

Puracé volcano increases activity
23 January 2025 by Marc Szeglat



Puracé emits large quantities of sulphur dioxide after ash eruption - local residents react with concern

In Colombia, the activity of the Los Coconucos complex volcano, which is often described in the literature as a volcanic chain with seven volcanoes, has increased. In my opinion, it is actually a complex volcano with seven crater cones.

One of the most active and best-known craters is Puracé, which measures 500 metres across. A special bulletin published yesterday by the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) shows that the seismicity of the volcano has increased significantly. In addition, the volcano is emitting vapour containing large quantities of sulphur dioxide from two new vents or fumaroles. In the surrounding communities of Paletará, Puracé and Popayán, residents noticed a strong odour of sulphur.

An ash eruption
is said to have occurred at the neighbouring Curiquinga crater on 20 January. Initially, there was only talk of indications of an eruption, based on fresh ash deposits on the snow on the flanks of the volcano. A GVP report now states that a 1,400 metre high ash cloud has risen. The eruption was confirmed by recordings from pressure sensors, webcam footage and observations from local residents. Photos of an ash-covered city were shown on social media, but these could be images from 2016, which were taken during the last major eruption of Puracé.

This crater is currently also emitting sulphurous vapours
from two vents that are drifting over populated areas. Around 17,000 people are affected by the events in the volcanic chain.

Aerial surveillance by the Colombian air force has discovered a system of cracks and cavities in the region that extends for around 200 metres and is up to 30 metres wide. These cracks are located between the north-western part of the Curiquinga crater and the southern edge of the Piocollo volcanic structure.

The affected area remains on yellow alert, which means that changes in volcanic activity are recognised as ‘abnormal’ but do not pose an immediate danger to the population. It is common for volcanoes with this alert level to experience sporadic ash eruptions and earthquakes.



About the volcano
The Los Coconucos volcano chain reaches a peak height of over 4,600 metres and is located in the Colombian Andes in the department of Cauca. This chain consists of several active, inactive and extinct crater cones that have formed along a north-south trending tectonic fault. The most prominent and active volcano in this chain is Puracé, which is regularly active.

Update 18:30
As I have just seen, the VAAC Washington issued 3 VONA warnings for Puracé today. According to them, volcanic ash is rising to an altitude of 5200 m and drifting westwards. So, there are ash eruptions causing ash to rise about 550 m above crater level.

END OF ARTICLE

 

[Ca.]

SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids

DECREASING CHANCE OF STORMS: A CME expected to graze Earth on Jan. 24th has not arrived. It might be running late, or it might have missed. NOAA forecasters still believe that a G1-class geomagnetic storm is possible this weekend when a second CME passes nearby. We believe the odds of a storm are low. CME impact alerts: SMS Text.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1882952519271514195

Hello Merapi Residents!The following is a summary of the eruption activity at Mount Merapi for the period January 24, 2025, 00.00 - 24.00 WIB.To directly monitor the latest visuals of Mount Merapi, please see the following link: https://bit.ly/bpptkgyoutubec

https://twitter.com/x/status/1883131715637702828

https://twitter.com/x/status/1883217783678472466

KILAUEA (VNUM #332010)
19°25'16" N 155°17'13" W, Summit Elevation 4091 ft (1247 m)
Current Volcano Alert Level: WATCH
Current Aviation Color Code: ORANGE

USGS Volcano Notice - DOI-USGS-HVO-2025-01-25T09:46:38+00:00

Activity Summary: The eruption of Kīlauea within Halemaʻumaʻu crater resumed at 11:28 p.m. HST on January 24, 2025, when fountain-fed lava flows erupted out of the north vent.

This marks the beginning of the sixth episode of the current eruption that began on December 23, 2024, following the most recent pause that began on Thursday January 23, 2025 at 4:30 a.m. HST.

Episode 6 was preceded by small, sporadic spatter fountains that began at approximately 6 p.m. and continued to increase in intensity until 11:15 p.m., when sustained fountaining began. Episode 6 began when fountain-fed lava flows began erupting onto the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu crater at 11:28 p.m. Current activity includes small dome fountains 15 feet (5 meters) high feeding a short lava flow from the north vent.

Inflationary tilt at the summit recovered the 2.5 microradian tilt loss during episode 5 by 2:00 p.m. HST on January 24th and had increased another 0.5 microradians just before the eruption restarted. The tiltmeter at Uēkahuna switched to deflation and seismic tremor both began increasing at about 11:25 p.m. just before lava flows began erupting onto the crater floor.

Currently light winds are blowing at less than 10 mph out of the north-northeast sending the gas plume to the south into the Kaʻū Desert.

Each episode of lava fountaining since December 23, 2024, has continued for 14 hours to 8 days and episodes have been separated by pauses in eruptive activity lasting a less than 24 hours to 12 days.

HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and will issue an eruption update tomorrow morning unless there are significant changes before then. HVO remains in close contact with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency. Please see the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website for visitor information: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The Kīlauea summit livestream video is available here: - YouTube

Kīlauea Volcano Alert Level/Aviation Color Code remain at WATCH/ORANGE. All current and recent activity is within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. No changes have been detected in the East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

For more information about the meaning of volcano alert levels and aviation color codes, see Volcanic alert-levels characterize conditions at U.S. volcanoes.

The Kīlauea summit livestream video is available here: - YouTube

Hazards: The eruption is occurring within a closed area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. High levels of volcanic gas—primarily water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—are the primary hazard of concern, as this hazard can have far-reaching effects downwind. As SO2 is continuously released from the summit during an eruption, it will react in the atmosphere to create the visible haze known as vog (volcanic smog) downwind of Kīlauea. Vog information can be found at Vog Information Dashboard | IVHHN.

Pele's hair, which are strands of volcanic glass often produced by lava fountaining activity, can be carried by the wind. It can sometimes cluster and tangle together on the ground, giving it the appearance of a tumbleweed. The extent of Pele's hair is dependent on lava fountaining activity and current wind conditions. More information about how Pele's hair is formed is available here: Volcano Watch — Pele’s hairs: a beautiful hazard on the Island of Hawaiʻi.

A Frequently Asked Questions document developed for the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption includes information about potential health effects of Pele's hair and is available here: https://vog.ivhhn.org/sites/default...and_health_during_Mauna_Loa_eruption_v1.6.pdf

Hawaiian lava flows generally advance slowly downslope, and during this eruption flows have been confined to Halemaʻumaʻu crater and the southwest side of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit caldera. Additional hazards include Pele's hair and other volcanic fragments from lava fountains that can fall on the ground within a few hundred yards (meters) of the eruptive vent(s), or on the western caldera rim downwind of the vent(s). Strong winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances downwind, and wind directions are variable. Residents and visitors should minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation.

Other significant hazards also remain around Kīlauea caldera from Halemaʻumaʻu crater wall instability, ground cracking, and rockfalls that can be enhanced by earthquakes within the area closed to the public. This underscores the extremely hazardous nature of Kīlauea's caldera rim surrounding Halemaʻumaʻu crater, an area that has been closed to the public since late 2007.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1883283350913511491

https://twitter.com/x/status/1883294752872988836

 

[XPan]

Santorini / Kolumbos - Greece
31 Jan 2025

A bit worrisome development, under as well NE of the famous greek Island of Santorini, where amounts of swarm earthquakes are increasing.

Santorin: Erdbebenschwarm intensivierte sich - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Erdbebenschwarm bei Santorin und Kolumbos verstärkte sich - Behörden beobachten Situation

www.vulkane.net

Earthquake swarm near Santorini and Colombos intensified
- authorities are monitoring the situation
31 January 2025 by Marc Szeglat

Date 31/01/25 | Time: 08:10:59 UTC | Coordinates: 36,580 ; 25,790 | Depth: 5 km | Mb 3.3


The caldera rim of Santorini drops steeply. © Marc Szeglat

The swarm earthquake at the Greek underwater volcano Kolumbos intensified and the EMSC registered a growing number (38) of earthquakes in the last 24 hours, with an increase in their energy release.



The strongest quake had a magnitude of 3.3 and an earthquake source at a depth of only 5 kilometres. However, as it occurred a good 15 kilometres off the coast of Santorini, it was apparently not felt by local residents.

By default, the EMSC earthquake maps only show quakes with magnitudes of 2 or more. If you visit the shakemap of the Greek earthquake service, you will see that there are also a large number of weaker earthquakes. These manifest themselves not only under the north-eastern flank of Kolumbos, but also on Santorini.



Civil protection conference with geoscientists convened
This fact alerted the Greek authorities on Wednesday, whereupon Civil Defence Minister Vassilis Kikilias arranged a special meeting of the Civil Protection Department. It was agreed to pay special attention to the situation and to continue to monitor it closely, but there is still no reason for alarmism.

The geologists present said that the quakes are of volcanotectonic origin and occur mainly along the central fault zone of the Caldera volcano.

Efthymios Lekkas, seismologist and head of the scientific monitoring committee for the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, said yesterday in an interview with the Greek television channel ERT that Santorini produces a huge eruption every 20,000 years. Since only 3,600 years have passed since the last major explosion, there would be plenty of time before a major explosion would occur.

However, the seismologist obviously forgets that even normal-sized eruptions could pose a problem for islanders and tourists.

The situation shows parallels to the seismic crisis that began in 2011 and lasted 14 months. At that time, increased hydrothermal activity was also detected on Nea Kameni and an uplift at the bottom of the caldera. However, there was no eruption. No comparable events have been reported to date.

The news articles on the conference do not mention the significantly stronger quakes under Columbos, although this underwater volcano is the most likely to pose a supra-regional threat. A study from 2022 discovered a large magma body under the volcano. It has a volume of 1.4 cubic kilometres and is expanding at an annual rate of around 4 million cubic metres.

During the last major eruption of the underwater volcano in 1650, around 2 cubic kilometres of tephra were ejected. At the current inflow rate, this value would be reached in a good 150 years.

END OF ARTICLE

 

[XPan]

Santorini / Kolumbos - Greece
1 Feb 2025

Vulkane.net reports that the seismic activity has even further increased at the island of Thera / Santorini... now up to M 4.5. I wonder what going on there underground...

Santorin: Weitere Steigerung der Seismizität - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Erdbebenaktivität bei Santorin nimmt weiter zu - Stärkstes Beben der Serie kommt auf eine Magnitude 4,5.

www.vulkane.net

Earthquake activity on Santorini on the rise - strongest quake M 4.5

Tension is growing on Santorini - not only among local residents, but also underground. The earthquakes are not only becoming more frequent, but also stronger. Today, the GFZ reported four quakes with magnitudes between 4.2 and 4.5. The depths were fixed at 10 kilometres. At the EMSC, the two strongest quakes had a magnitude of 4.3 and the earthquake foci were detected at depths of 13.6 and 14.5 kilometres. The epicentres were located offshore, north-east of Santorini, in the flank area of the submarine volcano Kolumbos. From yesterday to today, more than 100 quakes with magnitudes of 2 and above were recorded. Some tremors also occurred directly on Santorini.



Controversy over the origin of the swarm earthquake

There are controversial discussions about the nature of the quakes. One group assumes that they are at least partly of volcanotectonic origin and are linked to movements of magmatic fluids. According to Greek media reports, this theory is supported by chief seismologist Efthymios Lekkas and Civil Defence Minister Vassilis Kikilias, who attribute the quakes to an awakening of the volcano. As I have not spoken to Lekkas or Kikilias personally, it cannot be ruled out that the media are hyping the matter or putting words into the mouths of the two men.

The other camp relies on statements by seismology professor Gerasimos Papadopoulos, who explained in an interview that the recent earthquakes in the north-east of Santorini are of tectonic origin. Most of the tremors do not occur within the volcanic caldera or on the island itself, but 10 to 30 kilometres to the north-east, particularly in the sea area south of Amorgos.

The region lies on a submarine fault zone that runs from Amorgos to Astypalea and is characterised by large tectonic faults. One of these faults caused the strongest earthquake of the last century in Greece in 1956 with a magnitude of 7.7 and triggered a 20 metre high tsunami. According to Papadopoulos, there is no need to worry about the volcano awakening. However, he does not mention the submarine volcano Kolumbos, which is located seven kilometres north-east of Santorini. It also remains unclear whether there is a risk of a strong earthquake.

Swarm earthquakes at volcanoes are often of volcanotectonic origin

In my experience, magmatic fluids often play a role in earthquakes in regions with active volcanism. Even in the case of tectonic quakes along fault zones that run through volcanoes, magmatic fluids change the stresses in the ground and can trigger tremors. In addition, earthquakes at volcanoes often occur along faults when a volcanic flank starts to move and slowly slips.

It is only possible to be certain about the origin of the earthquake activity if either ground uplift is detected or an earthquake occurs that is so strong that a volcanotectonic nature of the shaking can be practically ruled out.

END OF ARTICLE

 

[XPan]

Santorini / Kolumbos - Greece
2 Feb 2025

Uh. Oh. There is clearly something going on, because the earthquake swarm is getting even more intense compared to the previous days; now being called "massive".

Santorin: Massiver Erdbebenschwarm bei Kolumbos - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Massiver Erdbebenschwarm erschüttert submarinen Vulkan Kolumbos nordöstlich von Santorin.

www.vulkane.net

Massive earthquake swarm rocks submarine volcano Kolumbos
northeast of Santorini



The submarine volcano Kolumbos is rocked by a massive earthquake swarm
the likes of which I have never seen at this volcano before. What is impressive is not only the large number of earthquakes, but also their magnitude: most of the tremors are in the triple range, although there were also several magnitudes in the quadruple range. The strongest earth tremor manifested itself today at 12:55 UTC and reached M 4.8. Since last week, seismicity has been steadily increasing and enormous amounts of energy are being released. What is missing from the earthquake lists are weak quakes with magnitudes of less than 2.

If you look at the seismogram of a measuring station on Santorini, you can recognise a tremor-like signal, that's how fast the earthquakes come one after the other. Incidentally, the graphic was sent to me by Vnet reader Peter K.

If these are volcanic earthquakes, then the formation of a magmatic vein is probably taking place or magma is rising and it could ultimately be an underwater volcanic eruption. It is not yet possible to say whether it will take place shortly or only in days or weeks. The caldera of Santorini is not affected by the activity at the moment. I do not expect an imminent eruption here.

However, it cannot be ruled out that the swarm is tectonic in nature, as Columbos lies on a prominent fault zone that has already caused devastating earthquakes and at least one tsunami. In this case, it is to be hoped that the swarm earthquake will completely relieve accumulated tensions without causing a strong earthquake. As I wrote yesterday in my update on Santorini, the origin of the quakes is the subject of controversy.

Tsunami could be imminent

For observers from afar, this is an exciting situation, but for the inhabitants and visitors to the Aegean islands, it is a worrying development that could culminate in a tsunami even in the event of an underwater eruption. Such a huge harbour wave, which only unleashes its full power when it hits shallow coastal waters, poses a threat not only to the surrounding islands, but also to the coasts of the eastern Mediterranean. Without wishing to stir up panic, you should keep an escape bag to hand and memorise how to reach higher ground in the shortest possible time. In the event of a strong earthquake, you should also keep an eye on the building structure where you are staying and look out for protection and escape routes. In the event of an earthquake, there are only seconds to seek cover. A tsunami can reach neighbouring coasts in minutes.

END OF ARTICLE

 

[XPan]

Santorini / Kolumbos - Greece
2 Feb 2025

The unsettled situation at Santorini continues with more earthquakes (up to M 5.1), while people are fleeing from the island.

Santorin: Schwarmbeben verursacht Fluchtbewegung - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Schwarmbeben bei Santorin im vollen Gang: stärkstes Beben bis jetzt M 5,1. Panik unter der Bevölkerung löst Fluchtbewegung aus.

www.vulkane.net

Swarm earthquake near Santorini in full swing
- panic triggers flight

Date 03/02/25 | Time: 12:17:42 UTC | Coordinates: 36,648 ; 25,654 | Depth: 13 km | Mb 5.1

The swarm earthquake north-east of Santorini continues unabated.
Hundreds of earthquakes with magnitudes between 2 and 5.1 have now been recorded, the last of which was only registered a few minutes ago. The quakes are concentrated off the coast of the volcanic island and not far from the submarine volcano Kolumbos. The hypocenters are located at depths of between 5 and 17 kilometres.



The origin of the quakes is still unclear.
They may be caused by magmatic vein intrusion emanating from Columbos or by magma ascent. As the volcano is located at the south-west end of a rift with several significant faults, tectonically induced earthquakes are also conceivable. However, the earthquakes do not lie exactly on a fault zone (black lines in the shakemap), but in between. It also cannot be ruled out that underground magma movements activate the faults or that, similar to Awash and Iceland, there is increased rifting in which magma intrusion plays a role.

Summarizing the current state of knowledge, 4 scenarios can be drawn up:

The earthquakes are of magmatic origin and are associated with magma ascent and/or vein intrusion
Rising magma (magmatic fluids) triggers tectonic earthquakes by generating stresses and activating fault zones
Seismicity is purely tectonic in origin and occurs at fault zones without the influence of fluids
A rifting episode occurs with magma influence

I have arranged the scenarios in order of decreasing probability, according to my assessment. The tectonically influenced scenarios could result in a strong earthquake. If there is a major magmatic influence, a submarine volcanic eruption could occur. The possibility of a tsunami occurring as a result of either scenario cannot be ruled out.

This could have serious consequences for the inhabitants of the islands around Santorini. People there are correspondingly worried. On Santorini in particular, many people are panicking. Many spent the night in their cars or outdoors because they feared a strong earthquake. According to media reports, many people want to leave the island and long queues have formed outside the ferry companies' ticket offices. Flights are also almost fully booked.

The probability of a strong earthquake
But what is the probability of a strong earthquake? It is true that earthquake swarms can occur before a strong earthquake, but they usually occur after a strong earthquake in the form of aftershocks. I consider the probability of a strong earthquake with magnitudes greater than 7 to be comparatively low, although it cannot be ruled out that such a quake could occur.

A volcanic eruption that affects the water surface is possible, but not very likely as things stand at present. The crater floor of Kolumbos lies at a depth of 500 metres, and the earthquake is less likely to occur in the crater area of the volcano than at its north-eastern base, where the water is much deeper. Should an eruption occur here, water discolouration and degassing, floating pumice stones and dead fish are to be expected. For Surtseyan eruptions to occur, the volcano would first have to grow.

Nevertheless, a certain amount of caution should be exercised on Santorini and the surrounding islands and particularly vulnerable areas should be avoided: There is a risk of falling rocks near cliffs and even moderately strong earthquakes could cause damage to buildings. The instructions of the local authorities must be followed and information should be obtained from official bodies on site.

END OF ARTICLE

 

[mabar]

Santorini volcano update: Weak ground uplift reported - possibly sign of volcanic unrest

Ground elevation changes observed on satellite radar data (image: EO.Lab via tanea.gr)

The latest satellite-based radar measurements of the surface of the island group seems to show that some inflation has affected the volcanic complex since the start of the seismic crisis about 10 days ago. Michalis Foumelis, associate professor at the Department of Geology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, reported to a local newspaper that "for some time now we have detected some signs of change in the volcano compared to its previous state of calm."
The findings are not yet very conclusive and the observed deformation is still relatively weak, but could mean that magma has intruded at shallower levels, raising thus the chance of a new (probably small) volcanic eruption in or near Santorini.
"We were waiting for the other IMPIS networks to confirm that there was something and in turn we contacted the competent authorities, informed them and everything that is now underway began", Foumelis added.

 

[XPan]

Santorini / Kolumbos - Greece
7 Feb 2025

It appears to me that the crisis isn't over yet. There are strong indications of that the earthquakes are of magmatic nature, through the intrusion of magma, and because it is much longer lasting compared to tectonic nature (except when you have a big earthquake). And this morning (8 feb), there was now a 5.0 M earthquake - but i get to that later with another article from Vulkane.net

Santorin: Katastrophenfall ausgerufen - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Auf Santorin wurde der Katastrophenfall ausgerufen. Außerdem wurde eine schwache Bodenhebung nachgewiesen.

www.vulkane.net

Disaster emergency declared on Santorini
- ground lift has been proven



After more than 8,000 earthquakes
occurred north-east of Santorini within two weeks, the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has declared a state of disaster on Santorini. This means that not only can the military be called in to help, but official evacuation measures can also be carried out. The military could contribute its resources to potential evacuations and also be deployed to protect the buildings that are then abandoned to prevent them from being looted. In addition, funds and heavy equipment can be released unbureaucratically.

In my opinion, this step comes a little late, as a good two thirds of Santorini's population has already fled.

Furthermore, the peak of the series of quakes seems to have been passed for the time being: since yesterday, the number of stronger tremors in the quadruple range has fallen significantly, although a large number of quakes are still being recorded.

However, a swarm earthquake is a dynamic process, and as long as there is no certainty about the origin of the quakes, only conceivable scenarios can be developed, but no precise predictions can be made. In fact, it is still impossible to make such predictions with regard to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other forces of the earth. In most cases, we only know that something could happen, but not exactly what and when. When it comes to earthquakes, it is even more difficult than when it comes to volcanic eruptions: particularly strong earthquakes occur without any recognisable signs and can occur at any time in earthquake-prone areas, even without any warning. It is therefore necessary to live with the latent risk and take precautions. This includes, in particular, earthquake-proof construction and, of course, a sensible choice of location for these buildings.

As far as the origin of the quakes is concerned
it is now becoming increasingly clear from the scientific side that they are triggered by magma: Data collected by the Sentinel-1 satellites and the GNSS networks of the Volcanic Monitoring Institute show that there was a slight ground uplift on Santorini itself. Together with the previously reported visual observations made by fishermen on the coast of Anydros, this indicates a stronger ground uplift in the earthquake area on the seabed. The uplift on Santorini could have occurred as a result of a major uplift in its peripheral area. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that a smaller magma accumulation occurred under the island itself. More data will be needed here to provide a more differentiated picture of what happened.

A study from 2022 discovered a larger magma body
under the submarine volcano Kolumbos, where the first quakes of the current swarm occurred. If measurements determine that there was a subsidence here, while there was an uplift in the direction of Anydros, this would be an indication that magma migrated from the Kolumbos system.

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[XPan]

Santorini / Kolumbos - Greece
8 Feb 2025

Due to the most likely volcanic nature of this ongoing event, i continue to list articles revolving the earthquake crisis at Santorini, under this "Volcanoes eruption all over" thread, if that is ok to you all.

Santorin: Weiteres Erdbeben Mw 5,0 - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Erneutes Erdbeben Mw 5,0 im Erdbebengebiet nordöstlich von Santorin. Nachts hatte die Erdbebehäufigkeit abgenommen.

www.vulkane.net

New earthquake Mw 5.0 in the earthquake zone northeast of Santorini

Date 8 Feb 2025 | Time: 09:00:42 UTC | Coordinates: 36,545 ; 25,597 | Depth: 8 km | Mw 5.0

Not at rest
In the earthquake area north-east of Santorini, the earth and the seabed are not at rest, as it is still being shaken by numerous earthquakes. After it had calmed down at night and the activity showed a downward trend, a stronger earthquake of magnitude 5.0 occurred again in the morning, with the hypocenter at a depth of only 8 kilometres. According to the EMSC, the earthquake manifested itself at 09:00:42 UTC at the coordinates Geo-URI 36.545 ; 25.597.

The earthquake was thus a little south of the main cluster and closer to the submarine volcano Kolumbos, which I have marked on the shakemap above with a white dashed ellipsoid. The actual Kolumbo caldera can be recognised at the south-western end of the marker. The ellipsoid includes the entire volcanic chain that runs to the northeast and includes some quake markers that occurred directly beneath the volcanic chain.

In the meantime, various geophysical institutes and organisational websites have issued statements on the processes in the earthquake area and more and more researchers and observers are arguing that the majority of earthquakes occur on a tectonic fault zone, but that the rise or migration of magmatic fluids is the driving force behind the earthquakes.

Volcanic vs Tectonic nature
If this hypothesis proves to be true, then the probability of a strong earthquake with a magnitude greater than 7 occurring is lower than if it were a purely tectonic earthquake event. However, if the theory can be scientifically proven at all, then only when an uplift of the seabed can be clearly demonstrated. Until then, it can of course do no harm for the local civil protection authorities to prepare for a worst-case scenario. Even in the event of a confirmed magmatic influence on the earthquake, strong earthquakes cannot be ruled out. Ultimately, there is even a certain tsunami risk.

Such a tsunami could be caused by a sudden fracture of the seabed, resulting in a vertical displacement of several metres. In the event of a submarine volcanic eruption, a landslide could occur. The earthquake region lies in a host and graben structure, which apparently also contains the spreading zone of a rift. In fact, a very complex volcanotectonic situation that includes many scenarios.

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[XPan]

Etna, Sicily
11 Feb 2025

Big Etna volcano has gotten active again since a couple days, albeit with the difference that the exist of the lava flow is lower than normal (not coming from the main craters at the top) Vulkane.net write following:

Ätna: Lavastrom und ein aktiver Südostkrater - Vulkane Net Newsblog

Lavastrom am Ätna erreicht 1900 m Höhenniveau - Südostkrater eruptiert glühende Tephra.

www.vulkane.net

Lava flow on Etna reaches 1900 m altitude - south-east crater erupts glowing tephra

Since the weekend, Mount Etna has continued to exhibit unusual eruptive behaviour as it has been pumping a lava flow that has emerged from a short fissure at the southern base of the central crater complex and is flowing in a south-westerly direction. The lava front reached the base of the escarpment in the early hours of the morning and is at about the same level as the lower cable car station, which is a good 1900 metres above sea level. I estimate the length of the flow to be over 2 kilometres. This means that it is no longer one of the small representatives of its kind, but has already reached a respectable length. Yesterday evening it emitted a high thermal radiation with an output of over 900 MW.

However, the eruption is unusual not only because of the sub-terminal ejection site, but in particular because the part of the south-east crater that has been inactive for a good 20 years has become active again. In fact, the Etnaguides shared images from last night documenting the ash eruptions from this crater. In the darkness, it could be seen that the crater was not only emitting ash, but also glowing tephra. This confirmed that these were active eruptions and not passive exhalations due to collapse events.

If I were to speculate (which of course I never do), I would suggest that this shift in activity is an indication that something has changed again at Etna. The activity seems to be shifting from the north-west of the volcano back to the centre-south-east. I cannot say what is causing this change. Since the first deep earthquakes appeared in the north-west in autumn, which have shifted to shallower regions in recent months, it looks as if fresh magma is rising and accumulating under the volcano. Perhaps Etna is entering a new eruption cycle.

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[Liliea]

They can't resist. At one of the southernmost ski resorts in Europe. Etna some lucky - and daring - tourists were able to witness the majestic spectacle of this volcano in full eruption... from their skis.
One eruption, the base of the Bocca Nuova crater lit up the sky at sunset, juxtaposed with the moonlight, snow-capped peaks and Strombolian explosions of the southeastern crater. This is how to enjoy the show!