Earthquake Strikes Between Islands
The National Geographic Institute (IGN) recorded a magnitude 4.1 mbLg earthquake between Tenerife and Gran Canaria during the morning of Thursday. The tremor, felt by the population with an intensity of III, originated at a depth of 10 kilometres, according to IGN sensors. It was felt at 12:26 in various municipalities on both islands with a maximum intensity of III-IV, IGN sources detailed to EFE. Minutes later, another quake occurred in the same area, this time measuring 2 mbLg and at a depth of just 4 kilometres.
The Enmedio Volcano Zone
The epicentre lies in the area of the Enmedio volcano, an underwater formation located midway between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, where this type of seismic event is frequent. In fact, the same zone recorded the strongest earthquake in the Canary Islands in recent years, a magnitude 4.2 event in 2019. In recent days, although attention has focused on seismic swarms on Tenerife, it is precisely the Enmedio volcano area that has produced the earthquakes of greatest magnitude and shallowest depth.
Where the Tremor Was Felt
Thursday’s quake was felt by residents in almost all municipalities of Tenerife, including Arona, Güímar, Arafo, Candelaria, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arico, La Matanza de Acentejo, Los Realejos, El Rosario, La Orotava, Tacoronte, Santa Úrsula, Granadilla de Abona, San Miguel de Abona, and Puerto de la Cruz. On Gran Canaria, it was also felt across much of the island in places such as Gáldar, Moya, Vega de San Mateo, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Agaete, La Aldea de San Nicolás, Valsequillo, and Teror.
Understanding the Intensity Scale
The intensity of III-IV on the 12-value European Macroseismic Scale indicates the earthquake was felt by some people inside buildings. Those at rest feel a swaying or slight tremor, and hanging objects swing slightly. At level IV, the quake is felt indoors by many and outdoors by very few. Some people may be awakened. The level of vibration is not frightening and is considered moderate.
Observers feel a slight shaking or quivering of the building, room, bed, or chair. There may be a rattling of crockery, glassware, windows, and doors. Hanging objects swing, and in some cases, light furniture trembles visibly. Creaking noises from woodwork may also be heard. Crucially, at neither intensity level III nor IV is damage to buildings caused.
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