Unraveling the Mystery of Santorini's Earthquake Swarm

Sat Nov 22 2025 11:59:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Researchers have identified the cause of the recent swarm of earthquakes near Santorini, revealing a significant underground magma movement. This finding could reshape our understanding of volcanic activity and its precursors.

A recent study has clarified the cause of over 25,000 earthquakes near Santorini, Greece, concluding that they were triggered by molten rock flowing underground. Utilizing physics and artificial intelligence, scientists mapped the seismic activity and revealed substantial magma movement beneath the island. As of now, seismic activity has subsided, but ongoing volcanic risks remain a concern. This advancement in study methods may enhance future predictions of volcanic eruptions.

The swarm of tens of thousands of earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini earlier this year was triggered by molten rock pumping through an underground channel over three months, scientists have discovered.

They used physics and artificial intelligence to work out exactly what caused the more than 25,000 earthquakes, which travelled about 20km (12 miles) horizontally through the Earth's crust.

They used each of the tremors as virtual sensors, then used artificial intelligence to analyse patterns associated with them.

One of the lead researchers, Dr Stephen Hicks from UCL, said combining physics and machine learning in this way could help forecast volcanic eruptions.

What happened in Santorini?

The seismic activity started to stir beneath the Greek islands of Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi in January 2025. The islands experienced tens of thousands of earthquakes - many of which were over magnitude 5.0.

Many tourists fled, and locals feared that the nearby underwater volcano, Kolumbo, might be about to erupt - or that this was a prelude to a larger earthquake, reminiscent of the devastating 7.7 quake in 1956.

The scientists published their findings in the journal Science, creating a 3D map of the Earth around Santorini and detailing the movement and stress in the crust, revealing the source of this lengthy seismic event.

They found that the event was driven by a horizontal movement of magma from beneath Santorini and the Kolumbo volcano through a 30km channel buried more than 10km below the sea floor.

The volume of magma moving was comparable to filling 200,000 Olympic-size swimming pools.

Does this mean the Santorini unrest is over?

Researchers suggest the seismic activity has likely subsided for now, with magma remaining deep in the crust.

However, they warn that volcanoes can enter unpredictable phases that may last years. This research underscores the potential of AI and physics to enhance the monitoring and forecasting of volcanic activity, potentially improving safety in geologically active regions.