Beneath the island of Tenerife lie several large zones of potential magma accumulation at depths of 10 to 30 kilometres. This is reported by a research team led by the Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (Involcan) in a study published in Scientific Reports . The authors see a possible link between processes at depth and phenomena observable at the surface, such as seismic activity and gas emissions. New, weak earthquakes were also recorded north of Tenerife in recent hours.
The research is based on a three-dimensional image of the deep crust and upper mantle. It first identified an approximately ten-kilometre-thick, relatively rigid oceanic crust with elevated seismic velocities. Beneath it is a much more heterogeneous zone, where four extensive areas of low seismic velocity stand out. Such anomalies often point to partially molten rock or accumulations of melt. One of the most pronounced structures is reportedly beneath the western part of the island. The team’s methods included analysis of numerous distant earthquakes and so-called receiver functions to detect velocity contrasts at depth.
Distinct from this structural mapping is the observation of increased seismic activity on Tenerife since 2016, with several periods of heightened activity around Las Cañadas, Teide and Pico Viejo. Institutions on the Canary Islands have repeatedly reported an increase in microearthquakes and minor earthquakes, temporarily elevated diffuse carbon dioxide emissions, and slight ground uplift. The new study suggests that the deep anomalies could play a role as reservoirs or pathways for melt. However, they do not provide any immediate indication of an impending eruption.
For risk management, the findings primarily provide a better basis for monitoring. A more precise model of the magmatic architecture makes it easier to interpret data on seismic activity, gas composition and ground movements, and to identify trends early. The Canary Islands’ emergency plan PEVOLCA can therefore define scenarios and thresholds more precisely. The researchers stress that conclusions about timescales or probabilities require further high-resolution time series and interdisciplinary modelling. Forecasts therefore remain provisional and depend on continuous monitoring.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).