El Hierro volcano awakens from its slumber

218 years after the last recorded eruption on the most western Canary island "El Hierro" volcanoes of the island have begun to awaken from their slumber. A series of indicators, that usually precede volcanic eruptions, have occured and are occuring increasingly on the island with more strength and intensity.

It all began on July 19 (2011). From that date the seismographs of the National Geographic Institute began to record "abnormal" seismic activity on El Hierro. At first this was not given much importance. But the increased frequency of shocks and increasing intensity on the Richter scale have led scientists to ponder the possibility of an volcanic eruption to happen soon. In two months only, between July 19 and yesterday, there have been 7852 registered earthquakes instead of the usual ten or twelve per year in El Hierro. In addition, the last ones have reached the three on the Richter scale, and were the first ones to be felt by the population.

The phenomenon, which is associated with a process of magma intrusion at a depth of 12 kilometers below the surface of the island, did not come alone. In recent days there has been a small rise of ground, between 20 and 25 millimeters, which is another indicator prior to a volcanic eruption. "With respect to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which is a third factor to take into account, CO2 levels remain normal for now but are being monitored closely", says the Director General of Security and Emergency of the Government of the Canary Islands, Juan Manuel Santana.

The regional government has recognized "the existence of likelihood of a volcanic eruption," estimated at a 10%. Nemesio Pérez, scientific coordinator at the Canary Volcanic Instutute: "The probability, although small, is significant. For now we have an anomalous seismic activity. The record of ground deformation is also significant, but we should have higher emission levels and other signs to increase the likelihood that this process ends in an eruptive phenomenon. For now, the probability is small, but still, significant".

In any case, to avoid risks, the Canary Islands Government has already changed the seismic hazard lights from green to yellow, which brings it into pre-alert status.

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