The Friday earthquakes in the Santorini-Amorgos zone are entirely volcanic, said Professor of Natural Disasters and Academy of Athens member Dr. Costas Synolakis.
Speaking on public television ERT, the distinguished scientist also called for a broader meeting with foreign experts over the Santorini earthquakes.
“Last night, earthquakes of a different type were recorded, indicating that volcanic magma is rising. Although the vibrations stopped within an hour and a half, it was clear that these were purely volcanic earthquakes,” Dr. Synolakis said.
“A volcanic swarm occurred, which, as seismologists say, was very, very noisy,” he said, adding that seismologists are examining other parameters. “It is time to hold a broader meeting with foreign experts who are more experienced. We cannot rely only on the 2011 experience. We must compare the phenomenon with dozens of other cases to understand where we are headed.”
Dr. Synolakis reported that there is a decrease in seismic activity, which indicates an improvement in the situation. “We cannot say that we are doing better based only on the number of earthquakes. If their nature changes so quickly and they become clearly volcanic, then the phenomenon must be reexamined,” he pointed out.
Regarding Friday’s finding, the professor said that there are two possible developments: “The rise of magma may cause the formation of a small volcanic cone or lead to a larger earthquake.”
The Santorini earthquakes may not be tectonic
Early on, Dr. Synolakis had suggested that the Santorini earthquakes may not be tectonic, but caused by volcanic activity. “We are next to a volcano that is in an active phase. The displacements and earthquakes show that magma is rising to the surface, causing the cracks to break,” he explained.
It is possible that the volcanic activity will cease, as it has in the past. However, the scientist advised caution. “Obviously it can. We have seen it before. However, we need to evaluate other parameters, such as ground deformations, seabed measurements and volcanic gases.”
Asked for an estimate as to when the seismic activity will stop, Dr. Synolakis referred to the Greek mythological giant, who causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. “Only Enceladus knows. If the seismic activity continues to decrease next week, we will be able to draw safer conclusions.”
Ios island in state of emergency
The harmonic seismic vibrations that indicate possible volcanic activity on Santorini began suddenly on Friday night and stopped abruptly, according to the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Center. “We hear some noise. We cannot be certain what is happening,” the center posted on X.
The Geodynamic Institute of the National Observatory of Athens recorded a 4.1 magnitude earthquake south of Amorgos. The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) reported over 100 earthquakes in the Cyclades region on Thursday.
Since Jan. 26, over 17,500 earthquakes have been recorded in the Santorini-Amorgos earthquake zone, including more than 15,400 with magnitudes above 1.0. On Feb. 12, over 1,000 quakes were recorded, with the largest measuring 5.0.
In response, the Greek General Secretary for Civil Protection declared a state of emergency for Ios island until March 14. Similar states of emergency are in effect for Thira, Amorgos, and Anafi.
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