Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is often celebrated for its stunning landscapes and pleasant climate, attracting around ten million tourists each year. At the center of this natural beauty lies Pico del Teide, the tallest volcano in Spain at 3,718 meters. Recently, scientists have turned their attention to this majestic peak with growing concern, as signs suggest it may awaken from its long slumber.
According to reports from the National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the Volcanological Institute of the Canary Islands (INVOLCAN), there has been increased seismic activity observed at Teide, hinting at the possibility of future volcanic eruptions. The Scientific Committee for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Volcanic Phenomena of the Canary Islands (CCES) issued alerts indicating significant geophysical activities, including increased seismicity, geodetic deformations, and gas emissions.
The alerts were sparked by a series of earthquakes recorded near the southern foothills of Teide. On January 22, 2025, tremors with magnitudes ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 occurred at depths between three and 13 kilometers. Following this, additional earthquakes were detected on February 5, near the summit of Teide, compelling scientists to act immediately.
Itahiza Domínguez, the head of IGN, elaborated on the situation, stating, "We know there can be an eruption on Tenerife," emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preparedness among residents and visitors. While the exact timing and nature of any potential eruption remain uncertain, Domínguez underscored the likelihood of such geological activity as almost guaranteed, though possibly unpredictable.
The CCES highlighted the concerns with statements such as, "Important indicators like seismic swarms, ground deformation, and fluctuations in gas emissions indicate increasing pressure under the stratovolcano.” These signs are viewed as troubling, yet scientists have observed minor ground uplift—approximately ten millimeters over the past year—implying underlying pressure building within the volcanic system.
Monitoring has been active on the island since 2016, but reports suggest increased activity significantly since 2022. Research networks have detected consistent ground deformation and gas emission changes, particularly at the fumarole outlets around Las Cañadas, the crater surrounding Teide. The inhalation of sulfurous gases and the detection of changes within the geothermal system pose additional risks not just to nature but to the lives of those who inhabit and visit the region.
Given the potential for explosive eruptions and the historical precedent of volcanic activity on the island, it is imperative to analyze the ramifications should Teide erupt. Predictions based on artificial intelligence calculations indicate popular sites near the volcano could be impacted by lava flows, pyroclastic flows of superheated ash clouds, toxic gases, and landslides. Such events would likely have catastrophic effects on the local ecosystem, tourism, and the infrastructure of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and its surrounding areas.
Efforts are being made to prepare the local populace for such emergencies, including training and response simulations. Yet, as caution increases, officials like Domínguez stress there is currently no concrete evidence of immanent devastation. The last volcanic eruption on Tenerife occurred from November 18 to 27, 1909, leading to the destruction of over two square kilometers but resulting in no loss of life.
Despite the historical calm of Teide, global volcanic awareness has heightened due to increased seismic activities observed elsewhere. For example, Greece's Santorini island and Italy's Phlegraean Fields have raised alarms with similar seismic occurrences. Ongoing eruptions are also being closely monitored across volcanoes worldwide, including the notorious Yellowstone Supervolcano and several active sites throughout Iceland.
While experts agree on the potential of Pico del Teide to erupt, the exact timing—whether it might occur within the next two years or extend to decades—is still open to interpretation and scrutiny. The communities around Teide are continually reminded of both the enduring beauty of their volcanic island and the geological realities underlying it, engaging both awareness and action to navigate the uncertainty.