Scientists are for the first time investigating how dangerous a major underwater volcano eruption could be to Santorini. The postcard perfect Greek island, which is a huge tourist destination, was itself created by a huge eruption in 1600 BCE.
Santorini, which is famous for its whitewashed walls and clifftop views, suffered a series of earthquakes earlier this year, but now scientists are tracking two underwater volcanoes close to the island to understand what might happen if they erupted. Professor Isobel Yeo, from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre, is leading the mission and told the BBC: “It’s a bit like ‘out of sight, out of mind’ in terms of understanding their danger, compared to more famous ones like Vesuvius.” She added: “Underwater volcanoes are capable of really big, really destructive eruptions.
“We are lulled into a sense of false security if you’re used to small eruptions and the volcano acting safe. You assume the next will be the same – but it might not.”
Around two-thirds of the world’s volcanoes are underwater but there is little monitoring.
The research will help scientists understand what type of seismic unrest could suggest an imminent volcanic eruption, the BBC reported.
Professor Yeo said Santorini’s last eruption was in 1950 but in 2012 there was a “period of unrest”.
The scientists are investigating Santorini’s caldera – a decompression that’s formed when a volcano erupts and collapses – and another major volcano called Kolombo, 4.3 miles north-east of Santorini.
The volcanoes are not expected to erupt imminently, although that is only a matter of time.
One member of the team told the broadcaster that the mission will create data and geohazard maps for the Greek Civil Protection Agency.
The investigation comes after Santorini was hit by thousands of earthquake tremors earlier this year.
The strongest quake measured 5.3 magnitude.
Reports in February said more than 11,000 locals left the island following the tremors which happened before the peak tourist season.
In 2023, around 3.4 million people visited Santorini which is a popular stop on cruises.
