Following months of increasingly stronger earthquakes on the small Canary island of El Hierro, which have caused worry and concern amongst the approximately 10,000 residents, the Instituto Geográfico Nacional (National Geographical Institute) of Spain confirmed today, 10 October 2011 that the feared volcanic eruption has begun out at sea, about 2,000m below the sea and about seven kilometres from the island. The eruption is occurring at the southern, less populated end of the island, according to an article in El Pais newspaper.
Tremors Felt Since July
Since July, when the tremors first began, there have been fears that a volcanic eruption was imminent and the Spanish government has put in place an emergency plan to deal with any possible problems and teams from the various armed forces have been in place for some time, prepared to evacuate the islanders should that become necessary. On Saturday 8 October 2011, the island suffered the biggest tremor so far, measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale but at that time, scientific experts were still not expecting an actual volcanic eruption.
The Canary Islands consist of a group of seven islands, formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. They are a popular holiday resort, especially for visitors from northern Europe and Spain. The largest island is Tenerife, which has at its centre the most famous of the islands’ volcanoes, Mount Teide. El Hierro is the smallest island and lies to the west of the archipelago, closer to the North African shore. The last eruption on the islands was in 1971 on the island of La Palma. The last big seismic event on El Hierro was in 1793 but back then, there was no eruption.
Is it a Volcanic Eruption or Not?
As the ‘seismic activity’ as it is being referred to happened at sea, it has been difficult for scientists to work out exactly what is happening. Some feel that a release of gases and magma has occurred whilst others are saying that the ‘phenomenon’ was just another tremor. However, the instruments used to measure seismic activity are showing different data to that of a normal earthquake, according to various media sources.Scientists have flown over the area in a helicopter looking for bubbles or other signs of the release of magma but at this time, nothing is showing on the surface of the sea.
The authorities on the island have been quick to reassure residents that they are not at risk as the activity is happening under the sea and not on land. However, fishermen and other boat users have been warned to stay outside an exclusion zone that has been set up and the Emergency Services are on high alert.
Amanda Payne - By Amanda Payne: Topic Editor for European Affairs. Amanda is a freelance writer with a special interest in Spain and all things ...
