A mysterious earthquake swarm has hit Greece’s island of Santorini, leaving residents and scientists puzzled. The swarm, which began several days ago, is characterized by a series of earthquakes with similar magnitudes, with no clear mainshock.
The region is being affected by a cornucopia of quakes, unlike the typical pattern of a mainshock followed by aftershocks. This unusual seismic activity has been dubbed an “earthquake swarm,” and scientists are struggling to predict its future.
To answer the key question, “Are these earthquakes related to volcanic activity or tectonic activity?”, researchers say that currently, there is no indication of magma movement, nor are the quakes accompanied by typical pre-eruption signs. However, the swarms are often associated with fluid movements through faults, which can trigger earthquakes.
The major threat from this swarm is an especially strong earthquake and potential landslides or localized tsunamis it may cause. While a catastrophic quake is of concern, scientists are also monitoring for the possibility of volcanic activity, as shaking magma chambers can trigger eruptions.
To mitigate the risk, authorities have deployed new instruments to scan the depths for suspicious geologic changes, while communicating the danger to the public carefully and transparently. However, the near future remains uncertain, with no clear way for scientists to predict the scenario.
The international team of scientists is working tirelessly to provide updates on this situation, as the situation evolves and living conditions become increasingly difficult for residents.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/santorini-earthquakes-volcano-cause-greece