The two lava flows feeding the lava delta, flows 1 and 2, have now combined both in the sea forming a single large lava delta, and also on land too close to the cliffs. Other than these flows, flow number 9 which is further south of the current lava delta and is on the 1949 lava delta, is also active. Due to the lava-water interactions, turbulent currents have been detected up to 1 km from the lava front. Whilst these currents can be damaging to marine life, the chemical parameters of the ocean are not thought to be significantly affected at this distance from the front of the lava delta. Regarding earthquakes the frequency and magnitude remained similar to the 11^th. 36 events were recorded, with similar amounts at both intermediate (10-15 km) and deeper (35-40 km) depths, with the day’s largest earthquake being a mbLg 4.3 event at 38 km depth.

SO2 emissions remained fairly high at 14,000-20,000 tons per day, whilst the ash and gas plume reached 2900 m. However, satellite measurements imply current SO2 emissions show a downward trend since the start of the eruption. Tremor continues to be stable at low levels as in the last days, and variable deformation continues to be seen at the LP03 GPS station in Jedey closest to the eruption, with a trend towards regional deflation at the other stations. Regarding air quality, SO2 levels were good in all stations except Los Llanos and Puntagorda which exceeded the daily threshold (125 μg/m³). Regarding PM10 levels, Los Llanos suffered unfavourable levels again between 9am-12pm local time, but these reduced to reasonably good levels for the rest of the day, levels which have not been seen in Los Llanos for many days. In all other stations, PM10 levels were good or reasonably good throughout the day.

The latest available data on the extent of the lava flows, showing the southern expansion of the lava delta. Image credit: Copernicus EMS

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