Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is experiencing a significant increase in volcanic activity beneath its iconic peak, Teide. According to the Scientific Committee for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Volcanic Phenomena, multiple indicators, including seismic swarms, ground deformation, and changes in gas emissions, suggest that the volcano is becoming more active.
Earthquakes Beneath Teide Signal Underground Movement
Seismic activity has been steadily increasing beneath Tenerife since 2016, with a significant surge starting in 2022. The most recent earthquake swarms were recorded on January 22, 2024, near Vilaflor, a town at the southern base of Teide. These quakes, with magnitudes between 0.6 and 1.5, occurred at depths of three to thirteen kilometers.
On February 5, 2025, two additional tremors were recorded near the Teide summit, adding to scientists’ concerns. According to the Scientific Committee for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Volcanic Phenomena, important indicators such as seismic swarms, ground deformation, and fluctuations in gas emissions point to an increasing pressure increase in the hydrothermal system beneath the stratovolcano.
The Island Is Rising—What Does This Mean
One of the clearest signs of volcanic activity is ground deformation, and Tenerife is now experiencing a measurable uplift of one centimeter. While this may seem insignificant, geologists say it is an unmistakable sign that magma is accumulating beneath the island, pushing the surface upward.
Geodetic measurements show that this deformation is island-wide, meaning the pressure beneath Tenerife is increasing on a larger scale. If this trend continues, cracks could form, allowing magma to find its way to the surface.
Gas Emissions Reveal Deep Underground Changes
Beyond earthquakes and land shifts, scientists have detected significant changes in the chemical composition of gases emitted from Teide’s fumaroles. In Las Cañadas, the massive crater that surrounds the volcano, sulfur-rich steam emissions have increased, an indication that underground magma is heating the hydrothermal system.
Geologists warn that this kind of activity is often observed before eruptions in other volcanic regions, making this an important sign that the volcano is becoming more active.
Scientists Warn: The Question Is Not If, but When
Itahiza Domínguez, head of the National Geographic Institute on the Canary Islands, stated in an interview that a Teide eruption is inevitable. “We know that an eruption will happen on Tenerife,” Domínguez said. However, the timeline remains uncertain. “The precursory events could occur in two years or in fifty years.”
Domínguez also highlighted the potential for different types of eruptions. It could be a minor eruption from a secondary vent on the island or a larger eruption directly from Teide itself.
The eruption of Cumbre Vieja on La Palma in 2021, which destroyed over 1,600 buildings, is a stark reminder of what volcanic activity in the Canary Islands can do. According to Domínguez, a similar eruption could occur in the Cañadas caldera, potentially forming a completely new volcanic vent.
What Would an Eruption Mean for Tenerife
If Teide erupts, the consequences could be devastating for both residents and tourists. Tenerife is home to one million people, and its economy relies heavily on tourism, welcoming over ten million visitors annually.
Possible impacts include:
- Ash clouds disrupting flights across Europe
- Lava flows threatening roads, towns, and natural areas
- Toxic gases affecting air quality and public health
- Pyroclastic flows capable of destroying everything in their path
- Potential landslides or tsunamis depending on eruption intensity
Computer simulations, as reported by Diario de Avisos, suggest that lava flows, pyroclastic clouds, and toxic gases could impact major tourist areas near Teide. Santa Cruz de Tenerife and resort towns in the southwest of the island are particularly vulnerable to volcanic ash fallout, which could disrupt air travel, public transportation, and infrastructure.
How Close Is Tenerife to an Eruption
Despite the clear warning signs, scientists stress that there is no need for immediate panic. The exact timing of an eruption remains unknown, and authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely.
Domínguez emphasized that preparedness is crucial. “Measures should be taken to prepare the population through drills,” he said. Experts recommend developing evacuation plans and public awareness campaigns to ensure Tenerife is ready when the time comes.
The last eruption on Tenerife took place between November 18 and November 27, 1909, at Chinyero, a volcanic cone on the island’s western side. While it covered two square kilometers in lava and ash, it did not result in any casualties.
For now, scientists will continue to watch Teide for further signs of escalation. While there is no evidence that an eruption is imminent, one thing is certain—Tenerife’s volcanic giant is not asleep.
