Could a Volcanic Boom Obliterate Santorini's Paradise?

Amid recent earthquakes, scientists are investigating Santorini's volcanic dangers for the first time, raising concerns about potential catastrophic eruptions.

Perched high on its iconic cliffs, Santorini attracts millions of tourists each year with its stunning views and charming white-washed villages. Yet, underneath this idyllic surface lies a troubling reality: the looming threat of a massive volcanic eruption.

A significant volcanic event over 3,600 years ago sculpted Santorini into its present form, creating a sprawling caldera and a crescent-shaped rim. Now, for the first time, teams of scientists embarked on a mission to assess how dangerous the next eruption might be. Recently, BBC News joined the British research ship Discovery on an expedition to gather crucial data.

Notably, a recent surge of earthquakes prompted nearly half of Santorini's 11,000 residents to evacuate, showcasing the seismic activity that lurks beneath the surface of this popular destination. Tectonic forces act beneath Santorini, where two plates collide, bringing both beauty and risk.

Leading the exploration is Professor Isobel Yeo, a geologist specializing in submarine volcanoes at the National Oceanography Centre in the UK. She explained that many underwater volcanoes remain largely unmonitored, making alerts for potential disasters complicated. “We know more about other planets than we do about our own ocean floor,” Isobel noted while observing engineers preparing to deploy a robotic submersible.

With Santorini's last major eruption occurring in 1950, scientists are concerned about the possible hazards that could arise. Past signs of unrest include the inflation of the island due to underground magma movement. Major volcanic eruptions, like the devastating Hunga Tonga incident in 2022, illustrate the vast dangers of underwater volcanism, causing global impacts such as tsunamis and atmospheric shockwaves.

Diving into the depths, the research team has noted hydrothermal vents on the seafloor. These geothermally active areas might influence volcanic activity and eruption potential. This expedition aims to map these systems and assess the eventualities of future eruptions. Additionally, this research will yield vital data that Greece's Civil Protection Agency can leverage, allowing for better preparedness and public safety measures.

Among the experts, Professor Paraskevi Nomikou—a Santorini native—emphasized the importance of this research. The project aims to inform the local community about volcanic activity levels and zone off areas especially susceptible to eruptions. “This research is not just for scientists; it’s for the people who live here,” she commented.

As part of this investigation, the team meticulously examines rock samples and fluid from the seafloor, hoping to unravel the geological mysteries of Santorini. With hazards like arsenic-laden rocks present, the scientists tread carefully through their work, vividly aware of the volcanic legacy that haunts their island.

Back on land, local businesses are feeling the impact of the seismic activity. Wedding photographer Eva Rendl witnessed cancellations after the quakes rattled the area, though couples, like newlyweds Tom and Kristina, remain undeterred in their desire to capture memories in paradise.

Despite the precarious situation, tourists continue to seek out Santorini's charm, with some expressing a desire for more transparent scientific communication regarding risks. “Information would help ease anxiety,” said Janet, a British-Canadian tourist.

As collective efforts continue to monitor and understand Santorini's underlying dangers, the delicate balance of preserving its beauty while safeguarding residents and visitors remains vital in this enchanting yet potentially perilous locale.