Santorini, Greece – The breathtaking island of Santorini, famed for its stunning landscapes and vibrant tourism, sits atop a ticking volcanic time bomb, according to experts.
Scientists studying the region warn that a future eruption is inevitable, with the only question being when—not if—it will occur.
The island’s iconic red and black beaches, solidified lava formations, and dramatic caldera are testaments to its fiery past. Formed by one of history’s most powerful volcanic eruptions around 3,600 years ago, Santorini’s beauty masks a volatile history that obliterated an ancient city and rocked the Minoan civilization. Today, it remains part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, one of Europe’s most active volcanic zones, with a record of 100 eruptions over the past 400,000 years.
At the heart of growing concern is the underwater Kolumbo volcano, located five miles northeast of Santorini. Its last eruption in 1650 unleashed a 40-meter tsunami, killed 70 people, and released toxic gases alongside destructive earthquakes. Recent studies, including expeditions like the JOIDES Resolution’s exploration, reveal that Kolumbo is far from dormant. A magma chamber beneath it confirms ongoing activity, drawing attention from researchers—and even NASA, which funded a 2019 mission to study its extreme conditions as a potential analog for extraterrestrial oceans.
Geological oceanographer Evi Nomikou, a veteran of two decades of volcanic research, emphasizes the importance of understanding past eruptions to prepare for the future. “The volcano isn’t sleeping,” she says, echoing a consensus among experts that a new eruption is a matter of time. While geological timelines are unpredictable, a future event could produce towering ash plumes and devastating tsunamis, threatening the island and beyond.
Despite the looming risk, volcanologists note that eruptions typically provide warning signs, offering hope for timely evacuations and preparations. In 2020, Greece’s Civil Protection agency developed a contingency plan to address such a crisis, signaling readiness among local authorities.
For now, Santorini continues to captivate visitors with its unparalleled sunsets and unique charm, all under the watchful eyes of scientists monitoring its restless underbelly. As the island balances its serene present with an uncertain future, the question remains: how long will the volcano stay quiet?
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