The National Geographic Institute (IGN) has reported an earthquake early this morning registering a magnitude of 3.6 on the Richter scale in the northwestern region of El Cotillo off the coast of Fuerteventura.
The earthquake, which occurred at 3:36am, was detected 25 kilometres beneath the seabed. Despite its significant magnitude, there have been no reports of the tremor being felt by the local population.
Earthquakes of this nature are relatively common in the archipelago, though this particular one stands out due to its higher magnitude.
Such seismic activity is part of the natural geological processes in the region, and while this instance did not cause any noticeable disruption, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic forces at play beneath the Earth's surface. The IGN continues to monitor the area closely for any further activity.
The Canary Islands are known for their significant seismic activity due to their geological setting atop a volcanic hotspot. The region frequently experiences small to moderate earthquakes, a result of the complex interactions between the African Plate and the Canary Islands' underlying volcanic structures.
The islands' volcanic origin contributes to the regular occurrence of both seismic and volcanic events, which are closely monitored by the National Geographic Institute and other scientific bodies. While most of these seismic events are minor and go unnoticed by residents, occasional larger quakes and eruptions remind the population of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of their environment.
The continuous monitoring and research help in understanding these natural processes and in mitigating potential risks to the inhabitants of the archipelago.
