The Scientific Committee for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Volcanic Phenomena (CCES) in the Canary Islands convened in an extraordinary session this Wednesday in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The committee has determined that the likelihood of an eruption in the short or medium term has not escalated in Tenerife, referring to a timeframe of weeks or months. However, data collected by scientific teams since 2016 highlights the necessity of enhancing surveillance and fortifying systems in anticipation of any “anomalous” volcanic activity on Teide.
During a press briefing, Itahaiza Domínguez, the director of the Geographic Institute of the Canary Islands, alongside other political and scientific officials, stated that “since 2016, an increase in seismic activity has been recorded on the island of Tenerife.” This period has also seen “five significant swarms detected in the western region of Las Cañadas” along with a slight rise in CO2 gas emissions in certain areas, such as the Teide crater.
Experts have specifically noted that the seismic, geodetic, and geochemical changes observed since 2016 may show a notable increase since 2022, potentially due to heightened pressure in the hydrothermal system beneath Tenerife, which suggests that monitoring should be intensified.
CHANGES IN GAS EMISSIONS AT TEIDE
Among the key findings analysed by scientists, a noteworthy observation since 2016 is the alteration in gas emissions at Teide, indicative of increased pressure within the hydrothermal system, which also correlates with the patterns of recorded seismic activity.
Seismic activity is predominantly concentrated in Las Cañadas, Cumbres de Adeje, and Vilaflor, with additional activity noted beneath El Teide. For the first time in June and July 2023, a seismic swarm was recorded at depths exceeding 30 kilometres, specifically 40 kilometres beneath Santiago del Teide, followed by another swarm later in the year at depths between 17 and 23 kilometres beneath Las Cañadas.
Additional, less significant seismogenic zones have been identified beneath Izaña and in the peaks of Arico.
During the meeting held on Thursday, experts shared this information with regional and island authorities, reaffirming that “at present, the actual probability of an eruption in the short or medium term remains unchanged, referring to weeks or months.” They highlighted the ongoing need to monitor the situation to prepare for any “potential events.”
ENHANCED CONTROL SYSTEMS
Domínguez pointed out that improvements in monitoring systems over recent years have allowed for a significantly elevated level of detection compared to five or ten years ago. Consequently, an “appreciable change has been observed, albeit not overly significant” due to the advanced instrumentation currently in use in Tenerife.
Furthermore, Nemesio Pérez, director of the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute (Involcan), emphasised the importance of ensuring public safety, reminding that “scientists can also err,” as these assessments are often based on probabilities and involve processes occurring deep underground.
“Undeniably, Tenerife now possesses a volcanic surveillance system far superior to that of 25 years ago. Naturally, there is still room for enhancement,” he remarked.
Pérez reassured the local population by stating that appropriate measures are being implemented, with strong collaboration among administration and institutions, advising residents to “adhere strictly to the instructions given by those responsible for community safety during emergencies.”
IMPROVING RISK MAPS
The government of the Canary Islands, represented by Councillor Manuel Miranda, and the Cabildo of Tenerife, through Councillor Blanca Pérez, underscored the significance of educating the public regarding all potential risks associated with emergencies, particularly those posed by volcanoes. This knowledge informs scientifically rigorous decision-making based on experience in each situation.
Minister of Territorial Policy Manuel Miranda announced that the General Directorate of Emergencies is currently collaborating with INVOLCAN and the CSIC on two initiatives aimed at updating and enhancing risk maps. He further mentioned that the findings from the scientific committee’s working sessions will be publicly accessible on the ministry’s website.
Representatives from the General Directorate of Emergencies, the National Geographic Institute, the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, the Institute of Oceanography, AEMET, CSIC, INVOLCAN, and both Canarian public universities were present at the meeting, along with regional authorities such as councillor Manuel Miranda and insular councillor Blanca Pérez.
