Multiple earthquakes have shaken Santorini in recent days, causing concern among the island’s residents and visitors. The Greek island, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history, has experienced a series of earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 5. The epicenters of these earthquakes are located near the underwater volcano Kolumbo, which is situated between Santorini and the neighboring island of Amorgos. This has raised fears that the sleeping giant, Kolumbo, may be on the verge of awakening, potentially causing significant damage to the island.
What is causing the unusual seismic activity in Santorini?
The earthquakes have forced thousands of people to flee, disrupted tourist trips, and damaged infrastructure. While Greece is no stranger to earthquakes, the frequency and intensity of the seismic activity in Santorini are unusual. Hundreds of earthquakes with varying magnitudes have been recorded between Santorini and Amorgos, both part of the Cyclades islands. Although the exact cause of the earthquakes is still unknown, it is believed that the volcanic activity of Kolumbo and the movement of tectonic plates may be contributing factors.
The earthquakes are not rare in active volcanic systems, and similar swarms have been observed in Santorini and Kolumbo in the past. A possible cause of the earthquakes is the volcanic activity, which involves the movement of molten rock or other fluids beneath the Earth’s crust. Another possibility is the movement of tectonic plates, which can cause stress in the rock and lead to the sudden release of tension, resulting in earthquakes.
Santorini’s volcanic activity could produce earthquakes and eruptions
The island of Santorini is part of a group of islands formed by overlapping shield volcanoes, which are a result of the tectonic plates found in the region. The volcanoes are all connected to the South Aegean volcanic arc, a chain of volcanoes that extends from the Peloponnese in southern Greece to the Cyclades islands. The movement of tectonic plates and the volcanic activity of Kolumbo could be causing the earthquakes, which could potentially lead to a volcanic eruption.
What would happen if the Santorini volcano erupts?
If the Kolumbo volcano were to erupt, it could have significant consequences for the island and surrounding areas. The immediate problem is that small earthquakes could cause landslides, and authorities are urging people to stay away from cliffs and beaches. Tsunamis caused by landslides, a volcanic eruption, or a larger earthquake are also a possibility. In the past, the region has experienced powerful earthquakes, including two earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7 in 1956, one of which caused a local tsunami with waves up to 22 meters high on the island of Amorgos.
If a similar earthquake or volcanic eruption were to occur today, the effects could be more severe due to the higher population density. Strong earth tremors could damage or destroy buildings, especially older ones or those not designed to withstand earthquakes. Tsunamis could also occur in coastal regions, causing floods not only in Santorini but also in neighboring islands and mainland Greece. However, the probability of such an event occurring is still considered low.