The emission of ash and smoke from the volcano that has been erupting for eight days on the island in La Palma has suddenly stopped this morning after a night of constant explosions, although it is not the first time since the beginning of the eruption that these periods of inactivity have occurred.
The column of smoke that has dispersed ash throughout the island has disappeared and there is hardly any activity in the volcano, although it is not the first time since the beginning of the eruption that these periods of inactivity have occurred.
It is suggested that there are four main scenarios for the cease of activity:
1.) The main cone is blocked meaning that there will be a build-up behind it causing a bigger explosion to clear it.
2.) That the magma and seismic activity below is ‘resting’ and that it could restart at any time.
3.) That the magma below the surface has moved and is looking for another way out of the surface meaning an eruption in a different part of the island.
4.) It’s nearing the end of its activity.
Increased seismic activity has been detected by the IGN to the south of the original eruption in the area of Fuencaliente. Sixteen earthquakes have been registered this morning with one measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale at 7.05am at a depth of 10km felt by the public. All sixteen were between 2.6 and 3.2 magnitude and were at the same depth. The concern is that a new eruption could start here, so monitoring in that area has increased.
In the meantime, the lava flow is now only 800 metres from the coast of La Palma and Pevolca says the arrival is imminent and that extreme precaution must be taken following all orders and protocols.
