Volcanic Activity and Earthquake Patterns

Magma is moving under the Santa Barbara volcano in the Azores, causing ground deformation and an increase in volcanic earthquakes since 2021. The alert level for the volcano and its fissure system has been raised, indicating reactivation but not an imminent eruption. Historically, similar events on Terceira have rarely led to eruptions. The magma chamber is slowly refilling, causing uplift and hydrothermal earthquakes. If an eruption occurs, it may be explosive, especially near the Santa Barbara peak.

What has been confirmed to be moving under the Santa Barbara volcano?

• Water

• Magma

• Lava

• Gas

How has the number of volcanic earthquakes changed from 2021 to 2024?

• Fluctuated

• Remained the same

• Increased

• Decreased

What does an alert level of V3 indicate about the Santa Barbara volcano?

• The volcano is erupting

• The volcano is dormant

• The volcano is showing signs of unrest

• The volcano is extinct

What is the likelihood of an immediate eruption according to the current alert level?

• Low

• Very high

• Certain

• Moderate

How often have similar events in Terceira led to eruptions historically?

• 7 out of 10 times

• 5 out of 10 times

• 1 out of 10 times

• 3 out of 10 times

What typically happens to most magmatic intrusions in Terceira?

• They reach the surface

• They cause immediate eruptions

• They stall and solidify at depth

• They cause massive earthquakes

What is causing the uplift and earthquakes in Terceira?

• Human activity

• Heavy rainfall

• Magma chamber refilling

• Tectonic plate movement

What is the primary origin of the earthquakes felt on the island?

• Tectonic shifts

• Meteor impacts

• Hydrothermal activity

• Volcanic eruptions

What historical pattern is the current earthquake activity in Terceira similar to?

• The 1760 pattern

• The 1900s pattern

• The 2000s pattern

• The 1500s pattern

What type of eruption is likely if Terceira's current unrest leads to an eruption?

• Non-violent

• Silent

• Explosive

• Effusive