A 'swarm' of tens of thousands of earthquakes shook the region near Santorini earlier this year, caused by molten rock movement through an underground channel over three months. Using advanced technology, scientists determined that more than 25,000 earthquakes occurred as magma travelled horizontally through the Earth's crust, sparking concerns over potential volcanic eruptions.
The research, published in the journal Science, combined physics and artificial intelligence to analyze quake patterns and their implications for future volcanic monitoring. The tectonic activity raised alarm among locals and tourists, reminiscent of past seismic events in the region.
Lead researcher Dr. Hicks highlighted how this innovative approach can improve forecasting of volcanic eruptions by analyzing earthquake clusters. The team found that magma movement from underneath Santorini could fill approximately 200,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, leading to a significant increase in seismic activity. Currently, while the immediate threat appears to have subsided, long-term vigilance is necessary as volcanic behavior can remain unpredictable.
The research, published in the journal Science, combined physics and artificial intelligence to analyze quake patterns and their implications for future volcanic monitoring. The tectonic activity raised alarm among locals and tourists, reminiscent of past seismic events in the region.
Lead researcher Dr. Hicks highlighted how this innovative approach can improve forecasting of volcanic eruptions by analyzing earthquake clusters. The team found that magma movement from underneath Santorini could fill approximately 200,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, leading to a significant increase in seismic activity. Currently, while the immediate threat appears to have subsided, long-term vigilance is necessary as volcanic behavior can remain unpredictable.
