Greek Expert: Earthquake Swarm in Santorini Indicates ‘rise of volcanic magma’

Internationally renowned Professor Costas Synolakis estimated that the nature of Friday’s Santorini earthquakes in the Aegean Sea indicated a “rise of volcanic magma”.

Speaking to public broadcaster ERT on Saturday morning, the professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Southern California, and a member of the Academy of Athens underlined that “although the tremors stopped within an hour and a half, it was clear that these were purely volcanic earthquakes.”

Synolakis explained that a volcanic swarm – thousands of tremors within a relatively small volume – was recorded, adding that scientists are now examining additional parameters.

The professor noted it was time for a broader meeting that includes foreign experts with relevant experience, pointing out that “We cannot rely solely on the experience of 2011. We need to compare this phenomenon with dozens of other cases to understand where we are heading.”

Discussing the frequency and the nature of the seismic activity, Synolakis stated that there seems to be a decrease, which indicates an improvement in the situation. “We cannot assume things are improving solely based on the number of earthquakes. If their nature changes so rapidly and they become clearly volcanic, then the phenomenon must be re-evaluated,” he emphasized.

When asked about the possible developments, he outlined two scenarios: “The rising magma could lead to the formation of a small volcanic cone or result in a larger earthquake.”

Synolakis reiterated that from the beginning of the Santorini earthquakes, he had expressed the opinion that these earthquakes might not be tectonic but related to volcanic activity.

Meanwhile, Ios became the fourth Cycladic island to be placed under a state of emergency following intense seismic activity in the region. The decision comes after Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi were also placed under emergency status due to ongoing earthquakes.

Source: Tovima.com