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Magnitude 4.1–4.4 Quake Between Tenerife and Gran Canaria Triggers Closer Scrutiny of Offshore Seismic Zone

Agencies say the event is unrelated to recent Teide unrest.

Overview

  • The quake struck at 12:26 local time on Feb. 26 between the islands, with IGN measuring mbLg 4.1 at about 10 km depth and Involcán reporting Ml 4.4 at roughly 5 km.
  • It was widely felt across both islands with intensities around III and peaks of IV, with reports from numerous municipalities in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
  • Several small aftershocks followed within minutes, including events around magnitude 2–2.5, and officials caution that additional minor replicas are possible.
  • Scientists place the activity in the inter-island sector often associated with the Enmedio area but stress no link to the current Teide swarms and no evidence of an ongoing eruption.
  • Researchers are weighing explanations that include a submarine fault, hydrostatic or isostatic adjustment favored by IGN, or a localized hotspot, as plans advance to strengthen land and seafloor monitoring.