New earthquake measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale hits Terceira Island

A new earthquake measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale was felt on Wednesday on the island of Terceira in the Azores as part of the ongoing seismovolcanic crisis, the Azores Seismovolcanic Information and Monitoring Center (CIVISA) reported.

According to CIVISA, the earthquake was recorded at 15:25 local time (16:25 in Lisbon) and had an epicentre approximately four kilometres north-east (NE) of Santa Barbara.

“According to the information currently available, the earthquake, with a maximum intensity of III/IV (modified Mercalli scale), was felt in Santa Barbara and Raminho (municipality of Angra do Heroismo),” CIVISA said.

Another earthquake was also felt on Terceira Island at 11:35 local time (12:45 in Lisbon), which also had an epicenter about four kilometers northeast of Santa Barbara and a maximum intensity of III.

The tremors are part of an ongoing seismovolcanic crisis on the island of Terceira since June 2022.

On June 27, due to seismic activity on the island, CIVISA raised the alert level for Santa Barbara Volcano to V3 and for the island’s fissure volcanic system to V1.

On the Richter scale, earthquakes are classified by magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), weak (4.0-4.9), moderate (5.0-5.9), strong (6.0-6.9), large (7.0-7.9), important (8.0-8.9), exceptional (9.0-9.9) and extreme (when greater than 10).

The modified Mercalli scale measures “degree of intensity and corresponding description.”

At intensity III, considered weak, the shock is “felt inside the house” and “hanging objects swing,” feeling “a vibration similar to that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles,” the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere reports on your computer’s website.

At intensity IV, considered moderate, parked cars shake, windows, doors and dishes shake, “glasses and dishes rattle or clank,” and walls or wood structures may creak.