La Palma eruption update 23rd December 2021: PEVOLCA: The end of the eruption will not mean the end of dangers from the volcano

La Palma eruption – 23rd December 2021

Daily summary

Volcanic tremor continues at background levels, with no eruptive activity seen, although a reactivation cannot be ruled out. If the current levels are maintained, the authorities will be able to call an end to the eruptive process in two days. PEVOLCA reminds the population however that end of the eruption does not mean the end of the dangers from the volcano, and that declaring the end of this eruption is not the same as declaring the end of the magmatic reactivation in Cumbre Vieja.

The deformation recorded at the LP03 station in Jedey, the closest GPS station to the eruption, continued to be seen, and is being monitored. However, no other trends are seen across the deformation network. PEVOLCA again reminds that in the El Hierro eruption, residual seismicity and deformation also occurred as the subsurface re-adjusted. 11 earthquakes were recorded, peaking at M2.4 with 4 <M2.0, largely at intermediate (<20 km) depths.

The level of SO2 emissions from the plume were maintained from the previous two days, registering a low (50-500 tonnes per day) value. Irrigators continue to be allowed into the evacuated zone from the north and south, however in the south only outdoor work has been allowed, and entry into La Bombilla has not been allowed due to high gas levels in the village and indoors. PEVOLCA continues to explain these emissions are due to the solidification of superficial magma in the conduits, rather than magma ascent. Air quality remains good in all stations with respect to SO2 concentrations, and between good to reasonably good in all stations with respect to PM10 concentrations.

(Above) Volcanologists install and maintain geochemical sensors in close proximity to the inactive main cone. Video credit: IGN Spain

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

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Exclusion zones shown here have been approximated from press releases from the Cabildo de La Palma and will not be exact, nor claim to be official maps of the exclusion zones. For official information, please contact the Cabildo de La Palma.

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News articles

  • Guardian – Volcano-hit La Palma gets a piece of Spain’s biggest lotto – here
  • Reuters – Muted Christmas joy in La Palma evacuees’ caravan as volcano falls silent – here
  • IBB – Christmas video campaign for the platano industry on La Palma – here
  • Canarias Ahora – Scientists warn: the end of the eruption on La Palma does not mean that there are no “some dangers” – here

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