The confinement ordered for areas of Tazacorte on the 22^nd due to gases from the creation of a second lava delta to the north of the first one has been lifted today, as it was determined there is no further risk to these populations from gases. The extent of the new lava delta is unknown, although the first lava delta continues to grow and is estimated to be 43 hectares. It total, the lava now covers 1,073 hectares, and the maximum width of the lava flow field is 3,300 metres. Seismicity was similar to the 22^nd, with medium frequencies and a domination of deep seismicity. 93 events were recorded, with a lower proportion of intermediate (10-15 km depth) events to deep (30-45 km depth) events, and the day’s largest earthquake was a mbLg 4.8 event at 39 km depth.

Volcanic tremor remains low with some occasional fluctuation, whilst no deformation trends are now seen close to the eruption site. At the other GPS stations, the weak regional deflation signal seen since late October has weakened since the start of November to an insignificant level. SO2 emissions were variable although measured in a similar range to the last few days, at 1,300-18,000 tons per day, whilst the ash and gas plume was measured at 3,700 m. As a general trend however, satellite measurements imply current SO2 emissions are lower than the start of the eruption. Air quality with respect to SO2 was fairly stable across the network, with good levels seen in all stations throughout the day except El Paso and Los Llanos where the levels were fair, although these improved to good levels in these two stations towards the end of the day. PM10 levels were good or reasonably good in all stations except La Grama and San Antonio on the eastern side of the island which exceeded the daily limit threshold (50 μg/m³) due to high values in the morning.

A steam plume rises from the newly created lava delta from beyond the cliffs. The photo is looking west from La Laguna Mountain. Image credit: INVOLCAN

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