A rare earthquake swarm is intensifying near the Greek island of Santorini, with a series of powerful earthquakes occurring in the Aegean Sea. Scientists believe that the earthquakes are caused by faults and not volcanic activity, as the island sits on top of an exposed underwater volcano called the Santorini caldera.
The largest earthquake so far was a magnitude 5, which struck 21 miles northeast of Santorini at 2:27 p.m. local time. Greek authorities have responded to the earthquakes by ordering precautionary measures on Santorini and nearby islands, popular tourist destinations.
Researchers say that the earthquakes are likely caused by plate tectonics, specifically the movement of plates as the African plate slides beneath the Eurasian plate, creating stresses that move faults driving the earthquakes. This is not a volcanic eruption, but rather an earthquake swarm, which has occurred before on Santorini in 2011 and 2012.
The area affected by the earthquakes is about 4.4 miles northeast of Santorini, near another underwater volcano called Kolumbo. While plate tectonics may be driving the earthquakes, scientists are unsure if there’s a direct link to volcanic activity at Kolumbo. The volcano last erupted in 1650, triggering a catastrophic tsunami.
Greek authorities have closed schools and deployed emergency crews as the situation continues to unfold. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/earthquakes/weve-just-seen-earthquake-after-earthquake-after-earthquake-santorini-earthquake-swarm-intensifies-but-likely-wont-trigger-volcano