Santorini’s volcano is one of the most famous in the world, with eruptions that have shaped the history of the Mediterranean. The recent seismic activity in the region has raised concerns about whether the volcano is preparing for a future eruption.
To assess this possibility, artificial intelligence (AI) was used to analyze all available seismic data. The goal was to identify patterns that indicate volcanic unrest, comparing Santorini’s current activity with historical eruptions of similar volcanoes.
How AI Calculated the Eruption Probability
The analysis was based on four key factors:
Earthquake Frequency and Magnitude – A gradual increase in both can signal magma movement.
Earthquake Depth – Deeper quakes suggest magma remains at great depths, while shallower quakes indicate potential magma ascent.
Duration of Seismic Activity – Many volcanoes show months or years of unrest before an eruption.
Comparison with Past Eruptions – Data from other volcanoes, such as Agung (Indonesia, 2017), Campi Flegrei (Italy, 2023-2024), and Eyjafjallajökull (Iceland, 2010), were analyzed for similarities.
Current Eruption Probability: 5.2%
AI analysis suggests that, at this moment, the probability of a Santorini eruption is approximately 5.2%. While the earthquakes are relatively strong, most are occurring at depths of 10-20 km, meaning there’s no clear indication that magma is moving toward the surface. Although quakes above 5.0 magnitude have been recorded, there is no sharp increase in their frequency or intensity.
One critical factor is ground deformation—a key warning sign of volcanic activity—which has not been observed so far. If caldera uplift begins, the eruption probability would increase significantly. The same applies if shallower earthquakes or continuous volcanic tremors (harmonic tremors) are detected, as these indicate magma movement.
What Does This Mean for Santorini?
It’s important to note that this AI-based assessment relies on current data and historical comparisons. It is not an official prediction and does not replace expert scientific research. Seismologists and volcanologists studying Santorini are the only authorities who can accurately assess the true risk and inform the public about potential developments.
For now, Santorini’s volcano appears to be in a period of increased seismic activity, but without clear signs of an imminent eruption. However, volcanoes are unpredictable, and conditions can change at any time. The best approach is continuous monitoring and staying informed through official sources.