The increase in lava emission rate in the evening of the 18^th has continued, making the lava flows faster and more fluid. However, there remains only three active fronts as in the past days, one to the south of the lava flow field that has flowed past Cogote Mountain, called flow 11, another front consisting of multiple streams feeding the lava delta (flows 1, 2 and 9), and finally a wide front between La Laguna Mountain and Todoque Mountain which is the most active flow (between flows 4 and 7). The rate of seismicity dropped again, especially at intermediate (10-15 km) depths. 51 events were recorded, with similar amounts at both intermediate and deep (30-45 km) depths, with the day’s largest earthquake being a mbLg 5.1 event at 36 km depth.

Volcanic tremor remains low, whilst a very local 4 cm inflation has been observed at the LP03 GPS station in Jedey closest to the eruption, although a small weakening regional deflation signal remains seen in the other stations. SO2 emissions remained high although slightly decreased relative to the 18^th at 10,000-17,000 tons per day, whilst the ash and gas plume was again at 3,500 m. However, satellite measurements imply current SO2 emissions are lower than the start of the eruption. Air quality was again improved relative to the last few days, with SO2 levels reaching good or reasonably good in all stations on the island, except Tazacorte which exceeded the alert threshold (500 μg/m³) briefly in the early hours before returning to reasonably good levels. PM10 levels remained between good and reasonably good, with no stations exceeding the daily threshold (50 μg/m³).

(Above) Lava fountaining observed on the evening of the 19th from North of the main cone. The active lava flows can be seen flowing downstream to the right. Video credit: INVOLCAN

Sources: Government of the Canary Islands, PEVOLCA, Involcan, IGN, DSN, Cabildo La Palma, 112 Canarias, Tolouse VAAC, Copernicus EMS