As top seismologists in Greece and around the world assess the ongoing seismic activity in and around Santorini, a theory put forth by renowned seismologist Konstantinos Synolakis has captured public attention. Speaking on Greek national television, Synolakis suggested that the recent earthquakes in the Cyclades may indicate the expansion of Santorini’s volcanic complex, potentially leading to the birth of a new volcano.
Speaking to ERT News, Synolakis explained that rising liquid fluids beneath Anydros suggest deep geological changes. “If confirmed, we may be witnessing, for the first time in recorded history, the formation of a new volcano,” he said. However, he cautioned that this does not necessarily mean an eruption is imminent. Rather, it suggests that the region’s volcanic system could be evolving, possibly forming new craters alongside Santorini and Kolumbo.
Seismic Swarm Raises Concerns
Over the past days, the Cyclades have experienced multiple earthquakes above 3.0 on the Richter scale. Synolakis has been closely monitoring this seismic swarm, warning that such sequences can sometimes culminate in a larger earthquake before aftershocks gradually subside.
Amid the uncertainty, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to visit Santorini on Friday, with Synolakis accompanying him to assess the region’s Civil Protection preparedness. One pressing concern is the absence of tide gauges, which are essential for monitoring sea-level changes and potential tsunami risks. “We have been racing to locate tide gauges in Greece. One is expected to be installed by Friday, with another following next week,” Synolakis stated.
The Need for Preparedness
While Synolakis reassured that a catastrophic tsunami is unlikely, he stressed the importance of proper preparation. He also highlighted the need for strict adherence to building regulations in earthquake-prone areas, particularly in light of Santorini’s history.
“If this process stops, magma could remain dormant for decades before triggering new activity,” he explained. “It’s crucial to prepare psychologically for all possibilities. The better we understand natural phenomena, the less they will alarm us.”
With uncertainty lingering, scientists continue to monitor developments—because if a new volcano is indeed forming, history may be unfolding beneath Santorini’s waters.
This past week, two prominent scientists—Akis Tselentis, a frequently cited seismology professor at the University of Athens, and Costas Synolakis, secretary of the Athens Academy’s Division of Natural Sciences and a distinguished professor at USC—appeared to diverge, to some extent, from several peers in Greece and abroad. While many experts attribute the recent seismic activity to tectonic shifts in the Earth’s crust, rather than volcanic activity in the southern Aegean, Synolakis’ hypothesis suggests otherwise, fueling debate among the scientific community.
