Cite this Report
An eruption began at La Palma after about a week of intensifying seismicity that showed hypocenters becoming shallower and moving NW, and significant related inflation. During 17-18 September the PEVOLCA (Plan de Emergencias Volcánicas de Canarias) steering committee (comprised of representatives from multiple agencies, local authorities, and institutions) reviewed mitigation, evacuation, and emergency plans. Helicopter and drone overflights were conducted in areas thought to be at risk from an eruption. IGN reported that during 17-18 September seismicity decreased, though an M 2 felt by local residents was located at 100 m depth, and vertical deformation occurred near the earthquake epicenters.
IGN noted that seismicity intensified during the morning of 19 September, with earthquakes located at 0-6 km depth; a M 4.2 event was recorded at 1116 and vertical deformation increased. Authorities evacuated about 50 residents with reduced mobility and their companions from Las Manchas de Abajo, Jedey, San Nicolás and El Paraíso (El Paso and Los Llanos de Aridane), El Charco (Fuencaliente), La Bombilla (Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte), and El Remo and Puerto Naos (Los Llanos de Aridane). Residents in an area prone to landslides were also evacuated. Other preparations continued at the hospital, in neighborhoods, and at evacuation centers.
At 1510 on 19 September an eruption began in the area of Cabeza de Vaca, in the municipality of El Paso. Observers near the eruption site observed a large explosion that ejected material and produced a gas-and-ash plume; volcanic tremor was recorded by the seismic network. Two 200-m-long fissures aligned N-S opened about 200 m apart. INVOLCAN scientists observed seven vents along the fissures during the initial stage of the eruption. Multiple tall lava fountains fed flows downslope to the W, igniting forest fires. Photos and video posted by IGN showed multiple pulsating fountains fanning out from parts of the fissure. Ash plumes rose about 1.5 km and gas plumes rose 3 km and drifted ESE. The PEVOLCA steering committee briefly raised the Alert Level to Orange, and then to Red (the highest level on a four-color scale) by 1700 for high-risk municipalities directly affected by the eruption. About 5,500 people evacuated with no injuries reported, and authorities recommended that residents stay at least 2 km from the vents. The La Palma airport briefly closed, livestock were evacuated, and education centers were closed along with sections of multiple highways. Later that day INVOLCAN scientists who measured an area of the flows determined an average flow rate of 700 m per hour and temperatures around 1,075 degrees Celsius. By the next day a main cone had formed.
The sulfur dioxide gas emission rate was 6,000-11,500 tons per day during 19-20 September. Satellite data showed a plume of sulfur dioxide drifting 475 km SE and reaching the coastline of Africa by 20 September. A map produced on 20 September by IGN in partnership with Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) showed that the main part of the lava flow had traveled more than 3 km W and another branch extended about 1.5 km WSW. The flows had covered about 1 square kilometer and destroyed an estimated 166 buildings. A news article noted that activity was concentrated at four main vents, the last (and ninth) of which opened at 1956 on 20 September about 900 m from the main vents. Strong lava fountaining continued during 20-21 September and ash fell in the vicinity of the vents. Ash plumes rose 2.4-4.6 km (8,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 55 km SW and S according to the Toulouse VAAC. Sulfur dioxide gas plumes drifted W and E at an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. By 0814 on 21 September an updated Copernicus EMS map showed that 350 homes had been covered by lava and the flow field had expanded to 1.54 square kilometers. According to a news report lava up to 12 m thick was advancing at a rate of 200 m per hour. A few hundred more residents evacuated as lava advanced towards Tacande; bringing the number of evacuees to about 5,700. The S lava branch was advancing slowly, at a rate of 2 m per hour. Later that day INVOLCAN stated that increased volcanic tremor amplitude reflected greater intensity of Strombolian explosions at the vents.
Sources: Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN), Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN), Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), Gobierno de Canaries, Gobierno de Canarias, Gobierno de Canarias, Advanced geospatial Data Management Platform (ADAM), Cabildo de La Palma, Cartografía Digital, 1-1-2 Canarias, Aviation24.be, El Periódico, rtvc Ente Público Radio Televisión Canaria, NOTICIAS 8 ISLAS
Cite this Report
No surface deformation detected
A March 1996 EDM survey of the active Cumbre Vieja rift volcano indicated no significant surface deformation since installation of the network in October 1994. The network contains 11 benchmarks (incorporating two Spanish survey triangulation pillars) and was measured using the infrared EDM method. Together with one 3-component seismic station NE of the main rift, the network provides the only current means of monitoring activity on the island.
The deformation network covers the area affected by faulting associated with the July 1949 eruption (figure 1), a zone where W-facing normal faults showed a maximum vertical displacement of ~4 m. The Cumbre Vieja ridge lies between the two 1949 eruptive centers (Duraznero and San Juan). Eyewitness accounts (Bonnelli, 1950) and detailed mapping of the eruptive products showed that during the 1949 eruption, fault displacements also had westward components with downslope movement on the volcano's flanks. La Palma is comparable in form and structure to other Canary Islands that have undergone large-scale slope failure. Steep topography, together with the prospect of a future magma intrusion, cause concern for the long-term stability of the Cumbre Vieja ridge.
 |
Figure 1. Sketch map of the Cumbre Vieja rift volcano showing the distribution of benchmarks, vents, and faults associated with the July 1949 eruption at La Palma. Courtesy of J.L. Moss and W.J. McGuire. |
The wedge-shaped island of La Palma contains two large volcanic centers. The northern one is cut by the massive Caldera Taburiente. The southern Cumbre Vieja rift volcano, oriented N-S, has been the site of historical eruptions recorded since the 15th century. An eruption from the S tip of La Palma in 1971 produced the Teneguia cinder cone. Fissure-fed eruptions from vents ~1 km S of the 1677 San Antonio cone produced lava flows that reached the SW coast.
Reference. Bonnelli, R., 1950, Contribucion al estudio de la erupcion del volcan del Nambroque o San Juan (Isla de la Palma), 24 de Junio - Agosto de 1949: Instituto Geografico y Catastral, Madrid, Spain.
Information Contacts: J.L. Moss, W.J. McGuire, and S.J. Day, Center for Volcanic Research, Cheltenham & Gloucester College, Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, United Kingdom; S.J. Saunders, Brunel University, Department of Geography & Earth Science, Borough Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5DU, United Kingdom; J-C. Carracedo, Estacion Volcanologica de las Canarias, Tigua Carretera de la Esperanza 3, Apartado de Correos 195, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
2021: September
Cite this Report
An eruption began at La Palma after about a week of intensifying seismicity that showed hypocenters becoming shallower and moving NW, and significant related inflation. During 17-18 September the PEVOLCA (Plan de Emergencias Volcánicas de Canarias) steering committee (comprised of representatives from multiple agencies, local authorities, and institutions) reviewed mitigation, evacuation, and emergency plans. Helicopter and drone overflights were conducted in areas thought to be at risk from an eruption. IGN reported that during 17-18 September seismicity decreased, though an M 2 felt by local residents was located at 100 m depth, and vertical deformation occurred near the earthquake epicenters.
IGN noted that seismicity intensified during the morning of 19 September, with earthquakes located at 0-6 km depth; a M 4.2 event was recorded at 1116 and vertical deformation increased. Authorities evacuated about 50 residents with reduced mobility and their companions from Las Manchas de Abajo, Jedey, San Nicolás and El Paraíso (El Paso and Los Llanos de Aridane), El Charco (Fuencaliente), La Bombilla (Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte), and El Remo and Puerto Naos (Los Llanos de Aridane). Residents in an area prone to landslides were also evacuated. Other preparations continued at the hospital, in neighborhoods, and at evacuation centers.
At 1510 on 19 September an eruption began in the area of Cabeza de Vaca, in the municipality of El Paso. Observers near the eruption site observed a large explosion that ejected material and produced a gas-and-ash plume; volcanic tremor was recorded by the seismic network. Two 200-m-long fissures aligned N-S opened about 200 m apart. INVOLCAN scientists observed seven vents along the fissures during the initial stage of the eruption. Multiple tall lava fountains fed flows downslope to the W, igniting forest fires. Photos and video posted by IGN showed multiple pulsating fountains fanning out from parts of the fissure. Ash plumes rose about 1.5 km and gas plumes rose 3 km and drifted ESE. The PEVOLCA steering committee briefly raised the Alert Level to Orange, and then to Red (the highest level on a four-color scale) by 1700 for high-risk municipalities directly affected by the eruption. About 5,500 people evacuated with no injuries reported, and authorities recommended that residents stay at least 2 km from the vents. The La Palma airport briefly closed, livestock were evacuated, and education centers were closed along with sections of multiple highways. Later that day INVOLCAN scientists who measured an area of the flows determined an average flow rate of 700 m per hour and temperatures around 1,075 degrees Celsius. By the next day a main cone had formed.
The sulfur dioxide gas emission rate was 6,000-11,500 tons per day during 19-20 September. Satellite data showed a plume of sulfur dioxide drifting 475 km SE and reaching the coastline of Africa by 20 September. A map produced on 20 September by IGN in partnership with Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) showed that the main part of the lava flow had traveled more than 3 km W and another branch extended about 1.5 km WSW. The flows had covered about 1 square kilometer and destroyed an estimated 166 buildings. A news article noted that activity was concentrated at four main vents, the last (and ninth) of which opened at 1956 on 20 September about 900 m from the main vents. Strong lava fountaining continued during 20-21 September and ash fell in the vicinity of the vents. Ash plumes rose 2.4-4.6 km (8,000-15,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted as far as 55 km SW and S according to the Toulouse VAAC. Sulfur dioxide gas plumes drifted W and E at an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. By 0814 on 21 September an updated Copernicus EMS map showed that 350 homes had been covered by lava and the flow field had expanded to 1.54 square kilometers. According to a news report lava up to 12 m thick was advancing at a rate of 200 m per hour. A few hundred more residents evacuated as lava advanced towards Tacande; bringing the number of evacuees to about 5,700. The S lava branch was advancing slowly, at a rate of 2 m per hour. Later that day INVOLCAN stated that increased volcanic tremor amplitude reflected greater intensity of Strombolian explosions at the vents.
Sources: Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN); Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN); Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC); Gobierno de Canaries; Gobierno de Canarias; Gobierno de Canarias; Advanced geospatial Data Management Platform (ADAM); Cabildo de La Palma; Cartografía Digital; 1-1-2 Canarias; Aviation24.be; El Periódico; rtvc Ente Público Radio Televisión Canaria; NOTICIAS 8 ISLAS
Cite this Report
Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) and Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN) reported that a seismic swarm beneath Cumbre Vieja at the S part of La Palma began at 1618 on 11 September and was likely associated with a magmatic intrusion. The swarm intensified in number of events and magnitude, and by 1600 on 12 September a total of 315 earthquakes had been recorded and ranged 8-13 km in depth. The largest event was a M 2.8 (on the Mb_lg scale). On 13 September a scientific committee comprised of representatives from multiple agencies and institutions raised the Alert Level to Yellow (the second lowest level on a four-color scale) for the municipalities of El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane, Mazo, and Fuencaliente de la Palma. By 0800 on 14 September 2,935 earthquakes had been detected. Larger events were felt by residents during 13-14 September; the largest earthquake was a M 3.9, recorded at 0600 on 14 September. Overall, the events were becoming shallower (8-10 km) and hypocenters migrated slightly to the W. GPS and tiltmeter networks showed deformation totaling 1.5 cm centered over the clusters of epicenters.
A total of 10 seismic swarms have been detected at La Palma since 2017; one in 2017, one in 2018, five in 2020, and three in 2021. The earthquakes in the previous swarms were deeper, between 20 and 30 km, and were less intense than the current swarm.
Sources: Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias (INVOLCAN); Gobierno de Canarias; Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN)
Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.
Eruption produces lava fountains from three vents
Card 1305 (27 October 1971) Gas and tephra emission after several days of seismicity
The following cable was received from E.M. Fournier d'Albe on 27 October. "On 26 October after several days microseismic activity fissures opened in southern extremity Isla de La Palma Canaries with emission of gases and ejection rock fragments. No lava emission yet observed. Spanish Institute Geological Research sending team to observe eruption."
Card 1307 (28 October 1971) Three vents generated lava fountains and flows that reached the sea
The following cable was received from E.M. Fournier d'Albe on 28 October. "On 26 October 1640 GMT through the opened fissure mentioned in the previous report emission of gases and tephra started. Three main vents are working simultaneously. The vents evolved to lava fountains and formed two main lava flows which reached the sea at the southern tip of the island. Prof. Fuster and teams from Research Council of spain and University of Madrid and La Languna will arrive at La Palma 27 and 28 October."
Information Contacts:
Card 1305 (27 October 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, University of Madrid, Spain; E.M. Fournier d'Albe, UNESCO, Paris, France.
Card 1307 (28 October 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, University of Madrid, Spain; E.M. Fournier d'Albe, UNESCO, Paris, France.
Activity from six different vents through 18 November builds Teneguia cone
Card 1309 (02 November 1971) Northern vent builds spatter cone 180 m high
"...during 28 through 30 October only three vents were active. The fracture is 300 m long, its strike being 345 degrees. The northern vent throws lapilli and large bombs to a height of 500-700 m. It has a rhythm of 45 pulses per minute. This vent has built a spatter cone 180 m high and has spread a thin cover of lapilli over the area SE of the cone. The southern vent only throws bombs and scoriae. Lava is emitted through the upper vent and through a point in the middle of the fracture of the southern end of the island 2,500 m away from the vent. The flows from the central vent reached the sea forming a new platform. The lavas are alkaline basalts with hornblende phenocrysts. Casualties have happened but there is very little damage reported by Fuster."
Card 1310 (04 November 1971) Description of lava composition
The following cable from Professor Fuster was received on 4 November. "Teneguia volcano mineralogical lava composition 10 per cent of phenocrysts, including 5 DF augite 3 of basaltic hornblende of ore. Ninety per cent matrix containing mainly ore and augite and less abundant plagioclase microlites. Some samples have the same phenocrysts in a glassy matrix with plagioclase microlites."
Card 1311-1311a (04 November 1971) Eruptions and lava flows during 31 October-4 November
The following report was received through the courtesy of the Office of Naval Research, Washington, D.C., via Carl Hartdegen, Associate Director, Palisades Geophysical Institute, Sofar Station, Bermuda Island, who telephoned the Center and gave the following report radioed from the Hydrophone Station, La Palma, Canary Islands.
31 October. The activity of the fissure is located in two vents; the northern one, Teneguia One, is the most active erupting thick blocky lava flows which reached the sea to the E of the lighthouse of Fuencaliente. The emission of scoria bombs and lapillus is practically continous. The cinder and spatter cone that has been formed reaches 150 m and changes its form very quickly. The southern vent, Teneguia Two, emits only blocky lava flows which fall from the sea cliff to the sea. An exogenous dome is forming in this area, south of Teneguia One.
1 November. The activity of hot vents increases. Teneguia One emits a less viscous lava and the dome in the area of Teneguia Two also grows. At noon a new vent, Teneguia Three, opened 300 m to the north of Teneguia One. This vent erupts intermittently bombs and scoria bombs but no lava flow. During the afternoon in the Teneguia Two dome, multiple fissures began to appear and it started to collapse, fracture, and slumping slowly to the SE.
2 November. The activity of Teneguia One is similar to the previous days. Teneguia Three increases its activity during the morning, decreases the frequency and magnitude of the explosion in the afternoon. During the night it emits only gases. The dome of Teneguia Two has changed to a huge heap of lava block with secondary lava flows.
3 November. Teneguia Two emits very viscous lava flow and continues to emit bombs and lapillus relatively slowly 1-3 m/hour in the frontal part. Teneguia Three emits only some gases. Teneguia One also less active than yesterday. " The lava of the eruption is always anchibrolic trachy basalt and changes with time to a more vesicular type reported by Fuster-Casas."
The following report from Dr. Fuster-Casas was relayed to the Center by Leslie Schofield, Palisades Geophysical Institute, on 5 November.
4 November. The most important vent, Teneguia One, has emitted abundant lava flows that are always of block type. The flows have reached the seas to the E of the lighthouse. Aerial projections are less abundant than previous days. The other vents, Teneguia II and Teneguia III have been inactive and emitted only gases."
Card 1314-1314a (08 November 1971) Activity continues during 5-7 November; lava flows reach the sea
The following report was received through the courtesy of the Office of Naval Research, Washington, D.C.
5 November. Teneguia No. 1 has continued its activity of aerial projection and lava emission. A vertical crack has grown from the rim to the base of its cone. The cone has reached at this moment about 100 m from the surrounding plain. Teneguia No. 2 has had intermittent outbursts of aerial projection and during the night of 5-6 Nov. had enormous quantity of lava running in four lava flows from the western sea-cliff to the sea. Teneguia No. 3 has emitted only a little smoke and in an intermittent way.
6 November. During the early hours of this morning all the southern wall of the cone of the main vent, Teneguia No. 1, collapsed, and now the direction of the lava flows from this vent runs to the south towards Teneguia No. 2. At 1245 GMT all the materials of the former cones between Teneguia No. 1 and Teneguia No. 2 collapsed and a new cloud of pyrotechnic dust and gases at high temperatures ascended from this place falling over SW seaslope. This cloud ran also in NW direction along the western coast of island. During the afternoon and evening continous lava flows from Teneguia No. 1 and Teneguia No. 2 reached the sea on the SW coast.
7 November. The only change in the activity of Teneguia Volcano, that continues its aerial projections and outbursts of lava, is the apparition of fumaroles at crack in the western slopes of Teneguia No. 1 vent.
Card 1315 (10 November 1971) New vent opens on 9 November with strong bomb ejections
The following report was transmitted from Dr. Fuster-Casas.
8 November. The activity of Teneguia Volcano remains as during 7 November. Teneguia One vent emits abundant blocky lava which reaches the sea W of Fuencaliente lighthouse and projects continously lapilli and lava bombs. Teneguia Two and Three remain inactive. The fissures between Teneguia One and Three are growing steadily and new ones began to appear on the SW slope of the cone of Teneguia Three. The fissures emitt abundant white gases, rich in SO2.
9 November. At 2200 last night a new vent, Teneguia Four, was opened in the N-S fissure located in the place where the fumaroles were stronger. The new vent consists of three openings that emit gases at great pressures and project lava bombs 100 to 150 m high. During the night the three openings have built a spatter cone 20 m high and changed into a double jet that ejects two columns of incandescent gases and pulverized lava at a great pressure. The double jet sounds like the engine of a jet plane taking off. The activity of fumarolic area is growing and Teneguia One remains as in former days. Teneguia Two and Three remain inactive."
Card 1316 (12 November 1971) Increased activity at all active centers
The following report from Dr. Fuster-Casas was telephoned to the Center by Kevin Laudadio.
10 November. Teneguia One emits more lapilli than preceding days. The lava flowing from its center is more viscous and flows very slowly, forming blocks 5 to 25 m long. The lapilli shower is more abundant in the north SW zone of the volcano.
Teneguia Four continues acting as a powerful jet engine expelling a moderate amount of lava lumps and lapilli; the spatter cone formed around the double vent coalesces with the N slope of Teneguia One cone.
At 0345Z a little vent was opened 75 m ENE of Teneguia IV vent in the fumarolic area located between Teneguia One and Teneguia Three cones. The white gases of the fumarole formed white sulfur deposits in the surrounding field.
The activity of fumarole increased until 2200 Z but afterwards production of gases was smaller.
In the last hours of the day activity of all active centers inreased: Teneguia One emits abundant fluid lava through five or more points in the N-S fissure. In the Teneguia Four NE zone, five little vents are acting in the same forrm and rhythm as Teneguia Four.
Card 1317-1317a (15 November 1971) Continued activity from six centers during 11-14 November
The following report from Dr. Fuster-Casas was received on 15 November.
11 November. Teneguia One was very active during all the day. The effusion of the fluid lava started last night changed to a more viscous lava early this morning. During all the day projected continously lava fragments up to 400 m high. Teneguia Four acted exactly like the previous day increasing its activity from 2240 Z on. The new vents opened have formed two small spatter cones in the N slope of Teneguia Five, which started with two openings ended with one. The other one, Teneguia Six, had a single opening. Both centers were very active, expelling a powerful jet of gas and fragments of lava and emitting two small lava flows in a northeasterly direction at 0700 Z. The fumarole field has the same intensity as the last hours of yesterday.
12 November. Teneguia One, Four, and Five are sending lava lumps, scoria and lapilli continously. Teneguia One produces pyroclastic material with about 20 pulses per minute. Teneguia Four and Five alternate in periods with pulsating emissions and periods of continuous jet emission, and periods of continous jet emission, jointed by big noise. The spatter cone of Teneguia Four and Five are growing continuously reaching 50 and 25 m respectively; they coalesce with Teneguia One cone which reaches about 110 m.
Teneguia Six spatter cone is being buried by Teneguia Five. The lapilli and scoria from the vents have changed to a more vitreous black and vesiculated-type which floats on the sea; there are some fragments of white pumice, perhaps formed by fussion of phonolitic rock of the substrata.
Teneguia One keeps the emission of viscous lava which reaches the sea on the W coast. Teneguia Five has produced some short flows.
13 November. In the morning Teneguia Four emitted abundant lava which reached the W coast in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Teneguia One increases its activity emitting more lava than usual; this lava flows to the W coast by four branches. The lava is more fluid and has some olivine phenyl crystals. The aerial projections are abundant in all active vents, Teneguia Four, Five, and Six. After 2000 Z the emission of lava is less abundant.
14 November. The intensity of the eruption was less strong than yesterday. Teneguia One emits lava, lapilli and bombs. Teneguia Four, Five and Six emit only lapilli and some bombs and scoria."
Card 1318-1318a (19 November 1971) Complex cone growth and collapses during intense activity
The following report from Dr. Fuster-Casas was received on 19 November.
15 November. The activity of the volcano increased during the morning but maintained the same characteristics as the previous day. Teneguia One vents were pouring lava flows in an intermittent way. Teneguia Four and Five alternate the projection of jets of gases with the emission of clouds of lapilli. After a period of being practically inactive, at 1245 Z that lasted about half an hour, the Teneguia Five erupted a big lava flow that nearly reached the road to the lighthouse of Fuencaliente in a southeasterly direction. During the afternoon Teneguia One and Teneguia Four were increasing their activity with continuous projection of scoria and bombs that continued until midnight. The scoria and cinder cones of Teneguia One, Four, Five, and Six coalesced. The height is 125 m on the previous ground.
16 November. The activity of the several craters was intense. Teneguia One continues pouring blocky lava in six flows which increase in velocity in the scarp, adjoining the W coast where the lava is forming six blocky deposits. Teneguia Four is as active as Teneguia One, forming an elongated crater with at least four projection points--a line in a NW direction. Teneguia Six is acting in the same way with three or four projection points--a line in a NNE trend--and was pouring lava from their bases.
Teneguia Five was less active. Between Teneguia Four and Teneguia Five there are two little openings which emit continous bright flames and a few lava blocks. Teneguia One and Four send intermittently big columns of scoria and lapilli which cover the previous lava flows and the surroundings especially in the SE direction. Teneguia Six projects mainly scoria and lava lumps. The lava is changing to a more olivine type.
17 November. During the night of the 16th to the 17th the cone of Teneguia Four has grown steadily and buried the vents of Teneguia Five and Teneguia Six. A new opening was formed just under the NE rim of this crater. The whole day both Teneguia One and Four have continued emission of aerial projections with enormous amounts of lapilli and lava flows, the former one in a more intermittent and less powerful way. The lava from Teneguia Four is forming an intense platform at the foot of the W sea cliff that penetrates into the sea. During the afternoon a part of the N rim of the Teneguia Four vent collapsed under its own weight and its incandescent materials originated a big secondary flow of semi-fluid scoria and lava that filled the area between the main volcano and the little cone of Teneguia Three.
18 November. At 0130 Z Teneguia six started to produce fluid lava flows from an opening at the cone base. Teneguia Four decreased its lava emission. Teneguia One, Four and Six project simultaneously scoria, lapilli, and lava lumps; Teneguia One and Six with pulses, Teneguia Four continuously. Until noon Teneguia Six had periods of fast production of lava flows and periods of attenuated activity; until midnight only activity was emission of moderate amounts of gas from the vents. Seismic agitation stopped at the same time as the volcanic activity.
Information Contacts:
Card 1309 (02 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain; Sr. Firmado, special delegate of the government of the Canary Islands.
Card 1310 (04 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain.
Card 1311-1311a (04 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain; Palisades Hydrophone Station, La Palma Island, Canary Islands, Spain; Carl Hartdegen, Palisades Geophysical Institute Sofar Station, Bermuda.
Card 1314-1314a (08 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain; Palisades Hydrophone Station, La Palma Island, Canary Islands, Spain; Kevin Laudadio, Palisades Geophysical Institute Sofar Station, Bermuda.
Card 1315 (10 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain; Palisades Hydrophone Station, La Palma Island, Canary Islands, Spain; Kevin Laudadio, Palisades Geophysical Institute Sofar Station, Bermuda.
Card 1316 (12 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain; Palisades Hydrophone Station, La Palma Island, Canary Islands, Spain; Kevin Laudadio, Palisades Geophysical Institute Sofar Station, Bermuda.
Card 1317-1317a (15 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain; Palisades Hydrophone Station, La Palma Island, Canary Islands, Spain; Kevin Laudadio, Palisades Geophysical Institute Sofar Station, Bermuda.
Card 1318-1318a (19 November 1971) Jose M. Fuster-Casas, Instituto Lucas Mallada, Madrid, Spain; Palisades Hydrophone Station, La Palma Island, Canary Islands, Spain; Kevin Laudadio, Palisades Geophysical Institute Sofar Station, Bermuda.
Cite this Report
No surface deformation detected
A March 1996 EDM survey of the active Cumbre Vieja rift volcano indicated no significant surface deformation since installation of the network in October 1994. The network contains 11 benchmarks (incorporating two Spanish survey triangulation pillars) and was measured using the infrared EDM method. Together with one 3-component seismic station NE of the main rift, the network provides the only current means of monitoring activity on the island.
The deformation network covers the area affected by faulting associated with the July 1949 eruption (figure 1), a zone where W-facing normal faults showed a maximum vertical displacement of ~4 m. The Cumbre Vieja ridge lies between the two 1949 eruptive centers (Duraznero and San Juan). Eyewitness accounts (Bonnelli, 1950) and detailed mapping of the eruptive products showed that during the 1949 eruption, fault displacements also had westward components with downslope movement on the volcano's flanks. La Palma is comparable in form and structure to other Canary Islands that have undergone large-scale slope failure. Steep topography, together with the prospect of a future magma intrusion, cause concern for the long-term stability of the Cumbre Vieja ridge.
|
Figure 1. Sketch map of the Cumbre Vieja rift volcano showing the distribution of benchmarks, vents, and faults associated with the July 1949 eruption at La Palma. Courtesy of J.L. Moss and W.J. McGuire. |
The wedge-shaped island of La Palma contains two large volcanic centers. The northern one is cut by the massive Caldera Taburiente. The southern Cumbre Vieja rift volcano, oriented N-S, has been the site of historical eruptions recorded since the 15th century. An eruption from the S tip of La Palma in 1971 produced the Teneguia cinder cone. Fissure-fed eruptions from vents ~1 km S of the 1677 San Antonio cone produced lava flows that reached the SW coast.
Reference. Bonnelli, R., 1950, Contribucion al estudio de la erupcion del volcan del Nambroque o San Juan (Isla de la Palma), 24 de Junio - Agosto de 1949: Instituto Geografico y Catastral, Madrid, Spain.
Information Contacts: J.L. Moss, W.J. McGuire, and S.J. Day, Center for Volcanic Research, Cheltenham & Gloucester College, Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham GL50 4AZ, United Kingdom; S.J. Saunders, Brunel University, Department of Geography & Earth Science, Borough Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5DU, United Kingdom; J-C. Carracedo, Estacion Volcanologica de las Canarias, Tigua Carretera de la Esperanza 3, Apartado de Correos 195, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.
Synonyms |
||||
| Nambroque, Pico del | ||||
Cones |
||||
| Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
| Bejenado | Stratovolcano | 1854 m | 28° 41' 0" N | 17° 52' 0" W |
| Charco, El | Pyroclastic cone | 1862 m | 28° 33' 0" N | 17° 50' 0" W |
| Cumbre Vieja | Stratovolcano | 1949 m | 28° 34' 0" N | 17° 50' 0" W |
| Garafía | Shield volcano | |||
|
San Antonio
Fuencalietne Cabras, Montana de las |
Pyroclastic cone | 657 m | 28° 29' 0" N | 17° 51' 0" W |
|
San Martín
Tigalate Martin |
Pyroclastic cone | 1598 m | 28° 32' 0" N | 17° 50' 0" W |
| Taburiente, Caldera de | Stratovolcano | 2426 m | 28° 45' 0" N | 17° 52' 0" W |
|
Tacande
Llanos, Los Quemada, Montana |
Pyroclastic cone | 1368 m | 28° 37' 0" N | 17° 50' 0" W |
|
Tahuya
Tihuya |
Pyroclastic cone | 1871 m | 28° 35' 0" N | 17° 50' 0" W |
| Teneguia | Pyroclastic cone | 439 m | 28° 28' 0" N | 17° 51' 0" W |
Craters |
||||
| Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
| Hoyo Negro | Crater | 1871 m | 28° 35' 0" N | 17° 50' 0" W |
|
Llano Del Banco
Manchas, Las |
Fissure vent | 1293 m | 28° 36' 0" N | 17° 49' 34" W |
|
San Juan
Nambroque Duraznero |
Fissure vent | 1913 m | 28° 34' 0" N | 17° 50' 0" W |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
There is data available for 13 Holocene eruptive periods.
| Start Date | Stop Date | Eruption Certainty | VEI | Evidence | Activity Area or Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 Oct 26 | 1971 Nov 18 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | Teneguia |
| 1949 Jun 24 | 1949 Jul 30 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | San Juan, Llano del Banco, Hoyo Negro |
| 1712 Oct 9 | 1712 Dec 3 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | El Charco |
| 1677 Nov 17 | 1678 Jan 21 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | N & S flanks of San Antonio (Fuentecaliente) |
| 1646 Oct 2 | 1646 Dec 21 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | South flank of San Martín (Tigalate) |
| 1585 May 19 | 1585 Aug 10 | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | Tahuya |
| 1480 ± 10 years | Unknown | Confirmed | 2 | Historical Observations | Tacande (Montaña Quemada) |
| 0900 ± 100 years | Unknown | Confirmed | Radiocarbon (uncorrected) | Nambroque II-Malforada | |
| 0360 BCE ± 50 years | Unknown | Confirmed | Radiocarbon (uncorrected) | El Fraile | |
| 1320 BCE ± 100 years | Unknown | Confirmed | Radiocarbon (uncorrected) | La Fajana (Volcán Fuego) | |
| 4050 BCE ± 3000 years | Unknown | Confirmed | Potassium-Argon | L'Amendrita, Birigoyo | |
| 4900 BCE ± 50 years | Unknown | Confirmed | Radiocarbon (uncorrected) | ||
| 6050 BCE ± 1500 years | Unknown | Confirmed | Potassium-Argon |
There is data available for 2 deformation periods. Expand each entry for additional details.
| Start Date: 1992 | Stop Date: 2000 | Direction: Subsidence | Method: InSAR |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: 1.00 km | Latitude: 28.000 | Longitude: -18.000 |
Remarks: Centered on the Teneguia volcano | |||
 |
Stack results shown onto a shaded DEM. Differential interferograms were corrected for atmospheric elevation-phase dependence. Results are only from coherent points (pixels), which exhibit LOS linear velocity (positive away from satellite, indicated with the arrows). (a) Stacking of 82 long temporal separation ERS differential interferograms for the period 1992?2000, accompanied by vertical GPS linear velocity between 1994 and 2007. (b) Stacking of 18 long temporal separation ENVISAT differential interferograms for the period 2003?2008. We also show estimates of horizontal GPS linear velocities between 2006 and 2007. Note the linear rate from the 2003 to 2008 results is noisier than the 1992 to 2000 results, mainly due to the smaller dataset, so these results should be considered with caution. The largest magnitude subsidence signal corresponds to the Teneguia volcano (T symbol). From: Gonzalez et al. 2010. |
||
Reference List: Perlock et al. 2008; Prieto et al. 2009; Gonzalez et al. 2010.
Full References:
Gonzalez P J, Tiampo K F, Camacho A G, Fernandez J, 2010. Shallow flank deformation at Cumbre Vieja volcano (Canary Islands): Implications on the stability of steep-sided volcano flanks at oceanic islands. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 297: 545-557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.07.006
Perlock, P. A., P. J. Gonzalez, K. F. Tiampo, G. Rodriguez-Velasco, S. Samsonov, and J. Fernández, 2008. Time evolution of deformation using time series of differential interferograms: Application to La Palma island (Canary islands). Pure Applied Geophys, 165: 1531-1554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-004-0388-7
Prieto, J.F., Gonzalez, P.J., Seco, A., Rodriguez-Velasco, G., Tunini, L., Perlock, P.A., Arjona, A., Aparicio, A., Camacho, A.G., Rundle, J.B. and Tiampo, K.F.,, 2009. Geodetic and Structural Research in La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain: 1992-2007 Results. Pure Applied Geophys, 166(8-9): 1461-1484.
| Start Date: 1992 | Stop Date: 2008 | Direction: Subsidence | Method: InSAR |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: 10.00 km | Latitude: 29.000 | Longitude: -18.000 |
Remarks: Western flank of Cumbre Vieja | |||
|
Stack results shown onto a shaded DEM. Differential interferograms were corrected for atmospheric elevation-phase dependence. Results are only from coherent points (pixels), which exhibit LOS linear velocity (positive away from satellite, indicated with the arrows). (a) Stacking of 82 long temporal separation ERS differential interferograms for the period 1992?2000, accompanied by vertical GPS linear velocity between 1994 and 2007. (b) Stacking of 18 long temporal separation ENVISAT differential interferograms for the period 2003?2008. We also show estimates of horizontal GPS linear velocities between 2006 and 2007. Note the linear rate from the 2003 to 2008 results is noisier than the 1992 to 2000 results, mainly due to the smaller dataset, so these results should be considered with caution. The largest magnitude subsidence signal corresponds to the Teneguia volcano (T symbol). From: Gonzalez et al. 2010. |
||
Reference List: Gonzalez et al. 2010.
Full References:
Gonzalez P J, Tiampo K F, Camacho A G, Fernandez J, 2010. Shallow flank deformation at Cumbre Vieja volcano (Canary Islands): Implications on the stability of steep-sided volcano flanks at oceanic islands. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 297: 545-557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.07.006
There is no Emissions History data available for La Palma.
The steep-walled Caldera de Taburiente is the most prominent feature of La Palma island. The caldera extends 10 km in a NE-SW direction and is breached to the sea on the SW side through a narrow notch at the left. Historical eruptions on La Palma have been restricted to a series of fissures and cones along a N-S-trending dorsal ridge extending to the southern tip of the island.
Cumbre Vieja, the southernmost of two large volcanoes forming the wedge-shaped island of La Palma, is one of the most active in the Canaries. The elongated volcano is oriented N-S and has been the site of numerous historical eruptions, many of which produced lava flows that descended steeply to the sea. Abundant cinder cones and craters line the crest of the volcano and dots its flanks. Historical eruptions, recorded since the 15th century, have produced mild explosive activity and lava flows that damaged populated areas. 
The dorsal spine of La Palma island is sprinkled with cinder cones, craters, and fissure vents formed during historical eruptions dating back to the 16th century. Many of these produced lava flows that reached the sea. The entire southern tip of the island was covered by lava flows during eruptions from the San Antonio (Fuencaliente) vent in 1678 and Teneguía cinder cone in 1971.
The caldera rim of the Taburiente volcano, which makes up the northern section of the island of La Palma, is seen here from a lava flow field on the southern volcano, Cumbre Vieja. Bejenado volcano (left center) is located on the southern edge of the breached Taburiente caldera. Cumbre Nueva Ridge (right) was formed by a large-scale collapse. Cumbre Vieja is the most recently active volcanic center on the island, with numerous cones and lava flows.The Global Volcanism Program has no maps available for La Palma.
There are no samples for La Palma in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences Rock and Ore collection.
|
WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. |
| Volcanic Hazard Maps | The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter. |
| MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
| MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
|
Sentinel Hub Playground
Sentinel Hub EO Browser |
The Sentinel Hub Playground provides a quick look at any Sentinel-2 image in any combination of the bands and enhanced with image effects; Landsat 8, DEM and MODIS are also available. Sentinel Hub is an engine for processing of petabytes of satellite data. It is opening the doors for machine learning and helping hundreds of application developers worldwide. It makes Sentinel, Landsat, and other Earth observation imagery easily accessible for browsing, visualization and analysis. Sentinel Hub is operated by Sinergise |
| IRIS seismic stations/networks | Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of La Palma. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice. |
| UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations | Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of La Palma. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player. |
| DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
| Large Eruptions of La Palma | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
| EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |
