The seismic monitoring network on Tenerife recorded a series of over one hundred minor tremors beneath the caldera of Teide volcano during the night of March 4-5, 2026. All events had a magnitude below 1.7 and were located at a depth of about 10 kilometers. Scientists from the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute reassure that this is part of the volcano's normal activity and the alert level has not been raised. The tremors were too weak to be felt by people.
Scale and Character of Tremors
From midnight to the morning hours of March 5, a total of 140 seismic events were recorded, including 114 low-frequency and 26 hybrid events. Their magnitude did not exceed 1.7 on the Richter scale, and their epicenters were concentrated within the Las Cañadas del Teide caldera at a depth of about 10 km.
Scientists' Assessment and Lack of Threat
Experts from the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute emphasize that such activity is normal for an active volcano and does not currently constitute a cause for alarm. The volcanic alert level remains at the „green”, lowest level. The tremors were too weak to be felt by residents or cause damage.
Difference Compared to February
Spanish media point out that the character of this tremor series differs from phenomena recorded in February, which may suggest a change in the dynamics of processes occurring beneath the volcano. The activity is interpreted as being related to the movement of volcanic fluids, such as magma, water, or gases.
Historical Context and Monitoring
Teide, the highest peak in Spain, is an active volcano, although the last eruption in its complex occurred in 1909. The monitoring system in the Canary Islands was intensified following the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma in 2021. The current series of tremors provides valuable data about processes inside the volcano.
Teide volcano on Tenerife is experiencing a period of increased seismic activity. During the night of March 4-5, 2026, a network of seismometers recorded a series of 140 minor tremors beneath the Las Cañadas del Teide caldera. According to Spanish media, this series included 114 low-frequency events and 26 hybrid events. All tremors had a magnitude not exceeding 1.7 on the Richter scale and were located at a depth of about 10 kilometers. Their epicenters were concentrated within the caldera, which is typical for activity related to the movement of volcanic fluids, such as magma, water, or gases, in the deep parts of the system. Scientists from the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute emphasize that such an increase in seismicity is normal for an active volcano and does not currently constitute a cause for alarm. The volcanic alert level remains at the normal, „green” level. La Razón points out that the character of this tremor series differs from phenomena recorded in February, suggesting a change in the dynamics of processes occurring beneath the volcano. The tremors were too weak to be felt by island residents, and authorities reported no damage. Teide, standing at 3,718 meters above sea level, is not only the highest peak in Spain but also the third tallest volcano on an oceanic island in the world. The last eruption within the entire volcanic complex occurred in 1909 on the northwestern slope (the Chinyero eruption), while the last activity within the Las Cañadas caldera itself dates back approximately 1,500 years. The volcano and the surrounding national park are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.Monitoring of Teide is part of continuous surveillance, which was intensified in the Canary Islands following the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma in 2021. Experts explain that periods of increased seismicity are part of a volcano's natural life cycle and serve as an important source of data about processes occurring inside the Earth. The current series, although more numerous than usual, fits this pattern and is being closely observed by scientists.