El Hierro eruption

[aspasia]

 The deformation is now 5cm, equal in just four days to the entire deformation during the previous eruptive process. The energy released is some 420 billion joules, which experts say shows a clear acceleration of the magmatic process. Pevolca says that there have now been more than 750 tremors since the process reactivated on Sunday. JA

[Nova]

She's gonna blow! 

[Perikles]

The energy released is some 420 billion joules,

...which is equivalent to the chemical energy of about 70 barrels of oil. In volcanic terms this is derisory.

[aspasia]

IGN says that the deformation continues to grow, and at the same rate, and is now 6cm, with a centre of pressure in the Las Calmas sea, the site of the previous eruption. Seismic activity remains stable, though more concentrated, and localized slightly to the west of yesterday's registered tremors, in El Julan and the Las Calmas sea. So far, since last Sunday, more than 1,100 tremors have been recorded, of which 144 have been over 2.7 on the Richter scale. Most have been at a depth of around 20km. JA

[Nova]

So far, since last Sunday, more than 1,100 tremors have been recorded, of which 144 have been over 2.7 on the Richter scale.

[aspasia]

Latest tremor was another strong one, of 3.6 on the Richter scale, just before 10pm.

[aspasia]

 The deformation is now 7.5cm, a steady and rapid growth, says IGN and Pevolca (Plan de Protección Civil por Riesgo Volcánico). The eruptive process continues, and IGN data indicate the seismicity is localizing in "an extensive area, with greater dispersion and numerous epicentres in the sea". This area is to the west of El Hierro, and includes the area of El Julan and the Las Calmas sea. Since last Sunday, over 1,250 tremors have been recorded, 165 of which have been greater than 2.7 on the Richter scale - one yesterday morning was another large one of 4, but there were several of 3+ too. JA

[aspasia]

It's always the way. The press had just announced that yesterday's seismicity was reducing when it suddenly stepped up a considerable gear! Last night, indeed, was not only the most active since the eruption restarted, but the most active since July 2011! A chain of tremors, felt throughout the island, among them one of 4.4 on the Richter scale. Between 9pm and midnight, there were 40 or so, 18 of which were over Richter 3. In many areas people left their houses in alarm - this was the case in Sabinosa, El Mocanal and La Restinga, and quakes were felt even in Valverde and Tamaduste, places which had been unaffected to date. Last night's cluster was localized in the Faro de la Orchila and El Julan area. Pevolca is to meet urgently at midday to discuss the new level of activity. JA

[Nova]

   

[aspasia]

Pevolca says that over the coming week further earthquakes in the region of Richter 4.4 are likely, perhaps even reaching 4.5 or 4.6. The pressure of magma has now made the deformation grow to 9cm.  JA