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Volcanic Vigilance: Tenerife's Monitoring Efforts Since 2016
The Scientific Committee for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Volcanic Phenomena (CCES) in the Canary Islands recently convened an extraordinary meeting in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Following their Wednesday session, the committee firmly ruled out any increased probability of an eruption in Tenerife in the short or medium term, specifically referring to a period of weeks or months. Nevertheless, data collected by scientific teams since 2016 underscores the critical need to enhance surveillance and bolster monitoring systems in light of the 'atypical' volcanic situation observed at Teide.
During a press conference, Itahaiza Domínguez, Director of the Canary Islands Geographic Institute, accompanied by other political and scientific authorities, confirmed that 'an increase in seismic activity has been observed on the island of Tenerife since 2016.' Over this period, 'five significant seismic swarms have also been detected in the western part of Las Cañadas,' accompanied by a slight increase in CO2 emissions in certain areas, such as the Teide crater.
Specifically, experts explained that the seismic, geodetic, and geochemical changes detected since 2016 might have intensified somewhat since 2022. This intensification could be attributed to a possible increase in pressure within the hydrothermal system beneath Tenerife, underscoring the imperative for heightened surveillance.
CHANGES IN GAS EMISSIONS AT TEIDE
Among the most crucial data points analyzed by scientists is the evidence that changes in gas emissions at Teide have been detected since 2016. These changes point to an increase in pressure within the hydrothermal system and may correlate with the rhythm of the recorded seismic activity.
Seismic activity is primarily concentrated in Las Cañadas, Cumbres de Adeje, and Vilaflor, while also persisting in the zone beneath Teide. In June and July 2023, a seismic swarm was recorded for the first time at a depth exceeding 30 kilometres, specifically 40 kilometres below Santiago del Teide. Later that same year, another swarm occurred at a depth of between 17 and 23 kilometres beneath Las Cañadas.
Other less significant seismic zones were located beneath Izaña and in the peaks of Arico. During Thursday's meeting, experts shared all this information with regional and island authorities, emphasizing that 'at this moment, the probability of an eruption in the short or medium term, referring to weeks or months, has not actually increased.' The aim is to continue monitoring the situation and prepare for a 'possible event'.
MORE ADVANCED CONTROL SYSTEMS
Domínguez highlighted the significant improvements in control systems over recent years, noting that current detectability levels are substantially higher than five or ten years ago. This advancement means that a 'noticeable, albeit not highly significant, change' has been observed in Tenerife thanks to the sophisticated equipment now available. For his part, Nemesio Pérez, Director of the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan), stressed the importance of conveying a sense of security, while also acknowledging that 'scientists can also be wrong' as they deal with probabilities and processes occurring many kilometres beneath the surface. 'Undoubtedly, the island of Tenerife currently boasts a far superior volcanic monitoring system than it did 25 years ago. Of course, further improvements are always possible,' he added. Pérez assured residents of their 'safety,' emphasizing that diligent work is being carried out with close cooperation among administrations and institutions, and advised them to 'strictly follow the guidelines of those responsible for emergency situations in the community'.
IMPROVING RISK MAPS
Representatives from the Government of the Canary Islands, represented by Councillor Manuel Miranda, and the Council of Tenerife, through Councillor Blanca Pérez, underscored the importance of informing the public about all types of risks associated with emergency situations on the islands, particularly volcanic ones. They also stressed the need to make appropriate decisions in every situation based on experience and scientific rigour.
Specifically, Councillor for Territorial Policy, Manuel Miranda, announced that the Directorate General for Emergencies is currently collaborating with INVOLCAN and CSIC on projects aimed at improving and updating risk maps. He also added that the conclusions from the scientific committee's working sessions would be made public and accessible to citizens on the department's website.
The meeting was attended by experts from the Directorate General for Emergencies, the National Geographic Institute, the Spanish Geological and Mining Institute, the Institute of Oceanography, AEMET, CSIC, INVOLCAN, and two Canarian public universities, alongside regional authorities such as Councillor Manuel Miranda, and island authorities including Councillor Blanca Pérez.