An earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale has struck off the coast of Fuerteventura. The Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded the tremor on Friday at 5.06 am. The epicentre was at a depth of 4 kilometres. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) is also analysing the data.
By Canary Islands standards, this figure was significant. The average magnitude of earthquakes in the region is 1.9. According to the IGN, the archipelago recorded 48 earthquakes within 30 days, which equates to an average of 1.6 per day. Ten earthquakes were recorded last week, which is a typical figure.
The Canary Islands are of volcanic origin, and minor tremors are a normal occurrence there. The IGN and the Canary Islands Volcanological Institute continuously monitor seismic activity and ground movements. According to seismologists and geologists, a cluster of tremors does not automatically indicate an increased risk. Experts are currently monitoring the situation on Tenerife particularly closely.
Tenerife: Emergency drills due to seismic activity on Mount Teide
Due to increasing seismic activity around Mount Teide, the Tenerife Island Council is organising emergency drills to prepare for a volcanic eruption. Officials are testing various emergency scenarios in locations including Guía de Isora and La Laguna.
Beneath Pico Viejo, a subsidiary volcano of Mount Teide, researchers have identified a large magma chamber near Mount Teide. By contrast, the IGN attributed a previous series of earthquakes north of Punta del Hidalgo on the north coast to tectonic causes. At least two of these earthquakes off the north coast of Tenerife were felt on land.
The monitoring network also regularly records seismic activity off other islands. Off El Hierro, seismologists have recently recorded several earthquakes off the coast of El Hierro. Off Lanzarote, a tremor was even felt on land.
«3.2-magnitude earthquake strikes off Fuerteventura coast»
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