El Hierro Earthquake update : 1st Feb

Scientists from the National Geological Institute (IGN) who have been observing seismic activity on the Island of El Hierro as part of the earthquake swarm, which began on the 17th of July last year, have recorded a total of 17 earthquakes over the last 10 days - more than double the number of earthquakes seen in the ten day period prior to this and an indication that the activity is showing no sign of subsiding.

As in previous weeks and months, the majority of the activity took place between Frontera and Pinar in the centre of the Island, with magnitudes ranging between 1.6 to 2.8 on the richter scale, and at depths of between 11 and 17kms.

Two of theses activities, both recorded three hours apart on the evening of the 23rd January, were felt by the population and measured II on the Moment Magnitude Scale (MMS), which measures the energy or 'slip' of the earthquake, unlike the richter scale, which measures the vibration.

This Youtube video was uploaded yesterday and shows a number of satellite photographs of the Islands, one taken every day since the underwater volcanic eruption began in October last year >>>

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the Island in the bay of las Calmas, off the coast of las Restinga, the jacuzzi caused by the underwater volcanic eruption is continued to bring smouldering 'pyroclastic' lava rocks to the surface. This was witnessed by members of the Royal Family who were visiting the island to lend their support to residents who have suffered financially due to to engoing situation.

Read previous news stories about the El Hierro Volcano by clicking the link HERE .