The Teide volcano is considered the symbol of the Spanish Canary Islands Tenerife. In addition to the 955,000 residents, millions of tourists visit the volcanic island every year. But scientists there are currently observing unusual movements underground that indicate that the volcanic system is changing.

Tenerife: Teide volcano sends signals

In the past few weeks, measuring stations have recorded numerous tremors around the Teide volcano Tenerifeas vulkane.net reports. Within a few weeks alone, researchers reported thousands of small earthquakes in the Teide National Park area. While many of these tremors went unnoticed by humans, they provided important clues for scientists. It became apparent that some signals differ from previous patterns, which attracted particular attention from the experts.

Politicians in the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife are also reacting to the activity surrounding the Teide volcano. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez set up a technical commission to analyze possible scenarios and prepare emergency plans. “We don’t know what it will be like, how it will happen or when it will happen,” Bermúdez explained, according to El Confidencial. That’s exactly why the city wants to prepare early for various developments around the Teide volcano.

“What’s happening right now is not normal”

Above all, the authorities want to be prepared if people have to be evacuated from endangered areas. “I don’t want to alarm anyone, but I want to send the message that the town hall is in precautionary mode and is preparing for a possible deployment – because it is clear, and so the scientists have said: what is happening is not normal,” he said, according to Diario de Avisos.

Researchers are also observing unusual processes beneath the surface of the Teide volcano. Measuring devices registered several dozen seismic signals of different types. These include so-called long-period events and hybrid earthquakes. They occur at depths between seven and fifteen kilometers. The scientists see this as evidence of possible magma movements inside the volcano. At the same time, however, they also emphasize that no reliable forecast can be derived from this.

Despite the increased activity, experts warn against jumping to conclusions about the Teide volcano. According to the authorities, there is currently no specific alert level and no certain indications of an imminent outbreak. Nevertheless, there is a development that the experts are keeping a close eye on. A dense network of measuring stations constantly analyzes earthquakes, gas values ​​and ground movements in order to be able to detect possible changes at an early stage.