Location of recent M4+ quakes near Kolumbo volcano NE of Santorini island
Earthquakes continue with little signs of slowing down. Another strong mag. 5.1 quake hit Santorini about an hour ago 22 km northeast of the island and was felt widely.
Recommended read: I terremoti a Santorini, Isole Cicladi, Grecia, febbraio 2025 (in Italian)
Italy’s volcano and earthquake monitoring agency INGV, one of the world’s most renowned, published an interesting article about the recent seismic activity on Santorini and the tectonic setting of the area.
Main tectonic graben structures NE of Santorini (image: INGV)
A thermal webcam captured lava emissions and vigorous spattering yesterday (image: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia)
The National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported that a new effusive eruption commenced at the volcano yesterday.
At about 06:08 local time, a new lava started to ooze out from the North Crater area following an intense spattering over the past few days. The lava had been travelling beyond the crater further onto the upper Sciara del Fuoco. Ordinary strombolian explosions had continued from both North and Central-South crater areas.
The volcanic tremor reached its peak and preceded the lava flow formation, which in turn, returned back to medium values.
Meanwhile, the lava flow from the North Crater area ceased some time yesterday and is now no longer active while cooling.
Source: Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia volcano activity update 7 February 2025
Kolumbo (Greece): The latest satellite-based radar measurements of the surface of the island group seems to show that some inflation has affected the volcanic complex since the start of the seismic crisis about 10 days ago. Michalis Foumelis, associate professor at the Department of Geology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, reported to a local newspaper that „for some time now we have detected some signs of change in the volcano compared to its previous state of calm.„ The findings are not yet very conclusive and the observed deformation is still relatively weak, but could mean that magma has intruded at shallower levels, raising thus the chance of a new (probably small) volcanic eruption in or near Santorini. … [read more] … [show less] „We were waiting for the other IMPIS networks to confirm that there was something and in turn we contacted the competent authorities, informed them and everything that is now underway began“, Foumelis added. —
…6 Feb: Over the past 24 hours, the seismic activity northeast of Santorini has continued to be intense, at similar levels as during the past days. Out of hundreds smaller tremors, 41 quakes above magnitude 4 have been recorded, including a magnitude 5.1 event yesterday evening at 9.09 pm local time. … [read more] … [show less] According to an interview with the president of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Efthymios Lekkas, the current situation is that the seismic swarm is still evolving. Lekkas pointed out 3 most likely scenarios how it might evolve: 1) The intense earthquake activity might continue for several weeks or even months, without significantly larger earthquakes as already seen (up to around 5.3). It then eventually fades out over an extended period of time.
Santorini (Cyclades, Greece): The latest satellite-based radar measurements of the surface of the island group seems to show that some inflation has affected the volcanic complex since the start of the seismic crisis about 10 days ago. Michalis Foumelis, associate professor at the Department of Geology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, reported to a local newspaper that „for some time now we have detected some signs of change in the volcano compared to its previous state of calm.„ The findings are not yet very conclusive and the observed deformation is still relatively weak, but could mean that magma has intruded at shallower levels, raising thus the chance of a new (probably small) volcanic eruption in or near Santorini. … [read more] … [show less] „We were waiting for the other IMPIS networks to confirm that there was something and in turn we contacted the competent authorities, informed them and everything that is now underway began“, Foumelis added. —
…6 Feb: Santorini has declared a state of emergency due to the seismic activity, which has seen almost 8000 earthquakes since 26 January 2025, including 4 quakes above magnitude 5, and more than 120 tremors of magnitudes between 4 and 5. Frequent shaking is experienced on the island itself, terrorizing the local population, of which 14,000 residents or roughly 70% have left the island. Authorities warn of high landslide risks, particularly on the steep caldera, and other coastal cliffs of the island. Public buildings and schools have been closed, emergency teams (firemen, police, as well as army members) are arriving on the island as precaution in case of stronger earthquakes or volcanic eruption. Residents have been advised to avoid the coastal areas and ports, as well as not to gather in large groups indoors.
The state of emergency will remain in effect for one month until 3 March. …6 Feb: Over the past 24 hours, the seismic activity northeast of Santorini has continued to be intense, at similar levels as during the past days. Out of hundreds smaller tremors, 41 quakes above magnitude 4 have been recorded, including a magnitude 5.1 event yesterday evening at 9.09 pm local time. … [read more] … [show less] According to an interview with the president of Greece’s Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), Efthymios Lekkas, the current situation is that the seismic swarm is still evolving. Lekkas pointed out 3 most likely scenarios how it might evolve: 1) The intense earthquake activity might continue for several weeks or even months, without significantly larger earthquakes as already seen (up to around 5.3). It then eventually fades out over an extended period of time.
Popocatépetl (Central Mexico): (6 Feb) Mild explosive activity continues from the volcano. The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington reported intermittent emissions of volcanic ash plumes. The full report is as follows: sporadic emissions of volcanic ash
Santiaguito (Guatemala): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 14000 ft (4300 m) altitude or flight level 140 . The full report is as follows: OCNL VA EMS to 14000 ft (4300 m)
Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia): (6 Feb) Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 19000 ft (5800 m) altitude or flight level 190 . The full report is as follows: NEW VA EMS. to 19000 ft (5800 m)
Reventador (Ecuador): Explosive activity continues. Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC) Washington warned about a volcanic ash plume that rose up to estimated 14000 ft (4300 m) altitude or flight level 140 . The full report is as follows: VA EMS LKLY CONTG. to 14000 ft (4300 m)
Ground elevation changes observed on satellite radar data (image: EO.Lab via tanea.gr)
Ground elevation changes observed on satellite radar data (image: EO.Lab via tanea.gr)
The latest satellite-based radar measurements of the surface of the island group seems to show that some inflation has affected the volcanic complex since the start of the seismic crisis about 10 days ago. Michalis Foumelis, associate professor at the Department of Geology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, reported to a local newspaper that „for some time now we have detected some signs of change in the volcano compared to its previous state of calm.“
The findings are not yet very conclusive and the observed deformation is still relatively weak, but could mean that magma has intruded at shallower levels, raising thus the chance of a new (probably small) volcanic eruption in or near Santorini.
„We were waiting for the other IMPIS networks to confirm that there was something and in turn we contacted the competent authorities, informed them and everything that is now underway began“, Foumelis added.
