Breakthrough Insights: Santorini 'Earthquake Swarm' Explained by Scientists

Sat Nov 22 2025 06:34:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent studies reveal that the swarm of more than 25,000 earthquakes near Santorini, Greece, was triggered by magma movement beneath the earth's crust, offering insights into potential volcanic activity.

Scientists have uncovered the cause of an unprecedented swarm of earthquakes near Santorini, Greece, that occurred earlier this year. Over 25,000 earthquakes were triggered by molten rock moving through a subsurface channel. The study utilized artificial intelligence and physics to analyze seismic activity, which could lead to improved forecasting of volcanic eruptions. The current volcanic unrest appears stable, but researchers emphasize the unpredictability of volcanic behavior in the long term.

Scientists have revealed that the swarm of over 25,000 earthquakes near the Greek island of Santorini earlier this year was triggered by molten rock pumping through an underground channel over three months. Using advanced physics and artificial intelligence, they were able to pinpoint the cause of this seismic activity.

Each tremor acted as a virtual sensor, leading researchers to analyze the patterns associated with seismic activity. Dr. Stephen Hicks from University College London, a lead researcher, noted that combining these fields could enhance our ability to forecast volcanic eruptions.

What happened in Santorini?

The seismic activity near Santorini, Amorgos, and Anafi islands began in January 2025, resulting in significant tremors felt widely, many exceeding a magnitude of 5.0. This raised alarm among residents and tourists, sparking fears that the nearby Kolumbo underwater volcano might erupt.

Researchers mapped a 3D representation of the seismic waves and crustal movements. Their findings revealed that an estimated volume of magma, capable of filling 200,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, was forcing its way through layers of rock, causing the multitude of earthquakes.

As lead author Anthony Lomax explained, the earthquake patterns provide critical data for understanding geological activity, asserting “they're telling us something" about magma movements.

Is the unrest over?

For now, researchers believe the immediate threat has diminished, as magma remains deep within the crust—over 8 kilometers in depth. However, they caution that volcanoes can exhibit unpredictable behavior over extended periods. Using AI alongside traditional seismic analysis could be vital for improving monitoring and forecasting capabilities in areas prone to volcanic activity.

Dr. Hicks highlighted the importance of such technology in predicting volcanic eruptions, stating, Whenever we see a cluster of earthquakes, that is data that can be used to work out the most likely cause.