AI Uncovers Cause of Mysterious Earthquakes Near Santorini Volcano

An international team of scientists has unraveled the mystery behind thousands of earthquakes that struck the area around the Greek island of Santorini in early 2025, employing advanced artificial intelligence techniques to analyze seismic data. The findings revealed that the seismic activity is caused by the movement of magma in the form of bouncing waves beneath the Earth's crust.

Over a six-week period, researchers recorded more than 25,000 tremors between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos, with hundreds felt by residents as they exceeded a magnitude of 4.5. This prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency and close schools, raising concerns among both locals and tourists.

How did magma trigger the earthquakes?

The study explained that magma was moving over 10 kilometers deep beneath the surface, spreading horizontally across an area of up to 20 kilometers, equivalent to the volume needed to fill 200,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Researchers confirmed that the magma lacked sufficient pressure to reach the surface, which has limited the volcanic threat thus far.

Additionally, the study indicated that the magma movement occurred in successive pulses that periodically open and close rock fractures, accounting for the sustained series of earthquakes over several weeks.

Significance of the Discovery

This discovery marks a significant scientific advancement, providing a new method for monitoring volcanic activity by using earthquakes as "virtual pressure gauges." This technique allows scientists to differentiate between tectonic earthquakes and those caused by magma movement, enhancing the ability to predict future volcanic eruptions, particularly in marine areas that are challenging to monitor with traditional methods.

It is important to note that Santorini is an active volcanic region and experienced a major eruption known as the "Minoan eruption" around 1620 B.C., making the monitoring of seismic and volcanic activity crucial for the safety of residents and visitors.