When the Earth Whispers beneath Teide: What Lies behind the 700 tremors in six hours
Early Thursday morning did not bring visible alarms for the residents of Tenerife, but beneath their feet, the earth did not stop moving. Over 700 seismic movements were recorded in the Teide National Park in just six hours, in what is known as a seismic swarm. Although it sounds alarming, experts urge caution rather than alarm.
What happened beneath the Teide and why was it not felt
Between 2:00 and 7:30 in the early morning, the IGN detected more than 700 seismic movements concentrated around Pico Viejo, at a depth of about 10 kilometers. Most were so weak that they were not perceived on the surface and did not even reach the threshold necessary to enter the official catalog. These are real, but invisible, earthquakes for those who inhabit the island.
This is classified as a seismic swarm, a sequence of small tremors without a main earthquake. Although striking in quantity, their impact is practically nil. The relevant aspect, explain the seismologists, is that there are no signs of magmatic intrusion, meaning there are no indications of magma ascending beneath the volcano.
What experts say about Teide’s activity
Itahiza Domínguez, a seismologist at IGN, has reiterated that there is no reason to worry. “It is comparable to other swarms we have experienced in Tenerife since 2016,” he explained in local media. Although Teide is an active volcano, episodes like this are a natural part of its internal dynamics and do not, by themselves, anticipate an eruption.
In fact, all previous swarms have followed the same pattern: low magnitude, short duration, and no consequences for the population. Furthermore, no deformations in the terrain or anomalous gas emissions have been observed, key factors for predicting a possible eruption.
A surveillance system that never rests
The most remarkable aspect of this episode is not its danger, but the level of surveillance that detects even what is not felt. The IGN’s seismic network, one of the most sensitive in Europe, allows for precise monitoring of any alteration in the region. This constant monitoring enables scientists to anticipate any anomalies and maintain calmness in the face of the unexpected.
Tenerife will continue to move, even if we do not notice it. But thanks to science, it will also continue to be a safe place.
