The Institute of Volcanology of the University of the Azores (IVAR) has announced a lower alert level for the Azores volcano. The Santa Bárbara volcano is located at Terceira Island which was at V3 alert level earlier. This has now decreased to V2.

Volcano Alert Level Decreases

Santa Bárbara volcano alert level has been reduced from V3 to V2 level. This report has been generated by the Institute of Volcanology of the Azores University. The possible alert levels for volcanos are as follows:

• V0: Normal or No unusual activity
• V1: Slight activity; minor signs like gas emissions detected
• V2: Low-level seismic activity observed
• V3: Potential for volcanic activity increases
• V4: High unrest (eruption possible soon)
• V5: Eruption imminent; strong seismic or surface activity detected
• V6: Ongoing eruption: volcanic activity is occurring actively
• V7: Large-scale eruption: widespread impacts likely

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Both the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Center (CIVISA) and the IVAR think that the alert activity should be reduced to V2 now. According to these institutions, the alert level has been a little above the normal range since 24 June 2022. The most energy was generated on 14 January 2024. On this day, the professionals observed a Richter scale of 4.5 magnitude. A statement from CIVISA can be read as follows:

The Crisis Office decided to lower the volcanic alert level at the Santa Bárbara Volcano to V2.

Alert Level Raised On 24 June

The alert level for Santa Bárbara volcano was raised on 24 June 2024 from V2 to V3. This is due to the change in the seismic activity of the volcano. The volcano experienced some signs which were more than the normal levels. These signs indicated the occurrence of a magmatic intrusion at the bottom of the volcano. However, the professionals think that the alert level can be reduced back to V2 because there has been less seismic activity recently.

Azores is a region that has many volcanic activities in Portugal. Many volcanoes are located near this region. Some of those volcanos are active while the remaining are dominant for years. There are two active volcanos in the Azores region which are monitored very closely because of the sudden changes in seismic activity. These volcanoes are as follows:

• Santa Bárbara Volcano (Terceira Island): The current alert level of this volcano is at V3 level which is now decreased to V2 level. This indicates an increased seismic activity in recent times.
• São Jorge Island: The volcanic alert level of this volcano still remains at V4 level. This is due to the continuous seismic volcanic activity. V4 level indicates that there is an increased seismic activity which is why the professionals are monitoring it closely.

Santa Bárbara Volcano Is Monitored Closely

IVAR institution has warned clearly that the seismic activity of Santa Bárbara Volcano can change at any time. Although the alert level has decreased from V3 to V2, this level can be increased in the future if there is more seismic activity. A statement from IVAR can be read as follows:

The Institute of Volcanology of the University of the Azores (IVAR), based on data obtained by the monitoring network of the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Surveillance Center (CIVISA), informs that the seismovolcanic crisis that has been recorded on the island of Terceira since the day June 24, 2022 remains, with seismic activity and crustal deformation decreasing in the last two months to levels close to those observed until March of this year.

The Institute of Volcanology of the University of the Azores (IVAR) believes that regular monitoring of this volcano is necessary at the moment. Recently, the Serreta Submarine Ridge was also marked with a V1 alert level. This is also located on the island of Terceira which is now marked with a V0 alert level (Rest state). Any citizen can also check these alert levels from V0 to V7 which are mentioned on the website of IVAR and CIVISA. According to IVAR, it has given a statement which read as follows:

The danger related to the occurrence of earthquakes and slope movements, therefore, recommends that all preventive measures that have been published by civil protection authorities be maintained.

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