A surge in seismic activity has been recorded near several volcanoes around the globe, with notable increases in tremors detected in Iceland, Mexico, California, and Japan, according to reports compiled on Monday, . Monitoring agencies are tracking the events, though assessments of potential eruption risks remain preliminary.
Iceland: Activity at Svartsengi and Eldey
Iceland is experiencing a particularly active period. The Svartsengi volcanic system, part of the Reykjanes Peninsula, registered 35 earthquakes within an eight-hour period, with magnitudes ranging from 0.0 to 2.0. The activity, reported as a possible swarm, has seen the last recorded quake occurring 15 hours prior to the latest update. Further west, the Eldey volcano recorded five earthquakes between magnitudes 0.9 and 2.5 over eleven hours, with the most recent tremor occurring seven hours ago. The depths of these quakes range from 0.60 to 9.10 km.
Katla volcano, also in Iceland, is showing increased activity with 13 earthquakes recorded in the last 19 hours, ranging in magnitude from 0.0 to 2.1. The epicenter depths vary from the surface to 6.10 km. These developments are being closely watched, as Katla is a subglacial volcano known for its potential to cause significant glacial outburst floods, known as jökulhlaups, during eruptions.
Mexico: El Chichón Experiences Significant Swarm
In Southern Mexico, El Chichón volcano is exhibiting a notable increase in seismic activity. A total of 29 earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 1.1 to 3.1, were detected over an 18-hour period, with the most recent quake recorded six hours ago. The hypocenter depths range between 2.90 and 3.40 km. This activity is considered a possible earthquake swarm, prompting increased vigilance from authorities.
California: Clear Lake Remains Active
Clear Lake volcano in California continues to experience a sustained period of seismic unrest. Twenty-one earthquakes were recorded in the last 19 hours, with magnitudes ranging from 0.5 to 2.5. The last recorded quake occurred just 12 minutes ago, indicating ongoing activity. The hypocenter depths range from 0.89 to 3.94 km. This ongoing swarm has prompted continued monitoring by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Geological Survey.
Japan: Activity at Hiuchi and Nantai
On Honshu, Japan, the Hiuchi volcano registered a magnitude 2.6 earthquake 15 hours ago, located at a depth of 7.00 km and 14 km northeast of the volcano. Further south, Nantai volcano experienced a magnitude 3.0 earthquake 16 hours ago, at a depth of 10.00 km and 19 km southwest of the volcano. These events are being monitored for any escalation in activity.
Other Notable Seismic Activity
Beyond these areas, several other volcanoes around the world have registered notable seismic activity. Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands experienced a magnitude 3.0 earthquake six hours ago. Fayal volcano in the Azores registered a magnitude 2.2 earthquake two hours ago. Kawah Kamojang in West Java, Indonesia, recorded two earthquakes between magnitudes 2.0 and 3.0 over eight hours, while Kolumbo volcano in Greece experienced two earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.2 within nine hours. Sousaki volcano in Greece also recorded two earthquakes, both with a magnitude of 2.2, over a 12-hour period.
Monitoring agencies emphasize that the detection of earthquakes near volcanoes does not automatically indicate an impending eruption. However, increased seismic activity is a key indicator of potential unrest and is closely monitored as part of broader volcanic surveillance efforts. The reports note that the list of detected earthquakes is not exhaustive, as many volcanoes globally are not monitored with sufficient resolution to detect all seismic events.
The ongoing monitoring efforts are crucial for assessing potential hazards and providing timely warnings to communities near active volcanoes. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
