Earth scientists are trying to solve the “mystery” of the earthquake-hit Azores island

An aerial view showing a crater near Vilas where small earthquakes were recorded on the island of São Jorge, Azores, Portugal, March 30, 2022. The image was taken with a drone. Photograph: Pedro Nunes/Reuters

Register now to get free unlimited access to Reuters.com

Register

LISBON (Reuters) – Amid uncertainty, experts are scrambling for answers to explain the unusual seismic activity that has rocked the mid-Atlantic volcanic island of São Jorge in Portugal’s Azores archipelago for more than two weeks.

The island has experienced nearly 27,000 small tremors as of Tuesday, and there are fears that the activity could herald the first volcanic eruption since 1808 or a strong earthquake. Read more

“It’s a mystery, a mystery,” said seismologist Joao Fontilla, explaining that multiple tremors were common on other Azores but not São Jorge. “I still haven’t found a clear answer.”

Register now to get free unlimited access to Reuters.com

Register

“Going from very few earthquakes to thousands is extraordinary,” he said.

Volcanic alert is at level 4, which means there is a “real possibility” that the volcano will erupt. The questions that remain unanswered are when and where on the island and if it will actually happen, Fontella said.

To date, all earthquakes recorded have been of tectonic rather than volcanic origin, with magnitudes reaching 3.8. If it becomes volcanic, this means that the magma is moving.

The number of daily earthquakes has decreased in recent days but experts are not sure if this trend will continue.

Indeed, a deformation has been detected in the Earth, Fontella said, which is unusual given the tectonic origin of the earthquakes and their low strength.

According to Fontella, the lack of previous studies on São Jorge makes it difficult to understand this phenomenon.

It’s not clear what type of eruption could occur, geologist Jose Madera said, adding that previous seismic events in São Jorge in 1580 and 1808 were marked by deadly lava flows.

Volcanologists also monitor soil gases and earthquake depths. Read more

São Jorge earthquakes occur at depths between 8 and 12 km. Madeira said that if a large number start appearing near the surface, it could indicate an imminent eruption.

The authorities warned that the situation could take an indefinite period of time.

Register now to get free unlimited access to Reuters.com

Register

Reported by Catarina Damon; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel

Our Standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos