Eruption continues at underwater volcano near Mayotte, Indian Ocean

Eruption at a newly-discovered underwater volcano, located about 50 – 60 km (31 – 37 miles) east of Mayotte, Indian Ocean continues with increased seismicity and associated deformations.

During the month of August, REVOSIMA detected 361 volcano-tectonic earthquakes detected, 198 long-period earthquakes, and 10 very long-period earthquakes.

Of those, only 2 were felt by residents of Mayotte — M4.1 on August 3 and M3.8 on August 26.¹

The main seismic activity is still concentrated 5 to 15 km (3 – 9 miles) east of Petite-Terre, at depths of 20 to 50 km (12 – 31 miles), REVOSIMA reports.

Surface movements measured by GPS stations in Mayotte since July 1, 2018, indicate:

a) an overall movement of the GPS stations from Mayotte to the east of approximately 21 to 25 cm (8 – 10 inches),
b) subsidence of approximately 10 to 19 cm (4 – 7.5 inches) depending on their location on the island. Since the end of 2020, deformations have become negligible.

The volume of erupted magma is estimated at approximately 6.55 km³ (1.6 miles³) as of April 2021.

References:

¹ Bulletin de l’activité sismo-volcanique à Mayotte – No.33 – September 1, 2021 – REVOSIMA – IPGP

Featured image credit: REVOSIMA