A recent study reveals that a significant swarm of earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini earlier this year was caused by the movement of molten rock through an underground channel. Over three months, more than 25,000 recorded earthquakes, some exceeding magnitude 5.0, created concern among locals and tourists alike, as the region is historically known for seismic activity.
Researchers from University College London employed a combination of physics and artificial intelligence techniques to analyze the seismic data. They treated the earthquakes as virtual sensors to identify patterns in activity and stress within the Earth’s crust. One key finding was that the seismic activity originated from the horizontal movement of magma beneath Santorini and the nearby Kolumbo volcano, which is located more than 10 kilometers below the seafloor.
The study mapped the evolving patterns of the tremors and the geological structures involved, leading to a detailed model of the event. It was estimated that the volume of magma that moved could have filled 200,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, with the intrusions breaking through rock layers and creating thousands of tremors.
Although the seismic activity has subsided, researchers caution that volcanic systems can remain unpredictable and may enter prolonged phases of unrest. Despite current calmness, scientists emphasize that the underlying magma remains deep within the crust. Advances in combining AI with geological physics may enhance the monitoring and forecasting of such volcanic activity, potentially improving public safety in vulnerable regions.
The findings were published in the journal Science, underscoring the potential benefits of employing these technologies in understanding how the Earth’s geological processes function.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz7p783g2j5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss