Another earthquake registered in Faial

An earthquake of magnitude 3.1 on the Richter scale was felt at dawn on Faial Island on 9 December, in an area that since the beginning of November has seen an increase in seismic activity.

According to the Azores Seismovulcanic Surveillance and Information Centre (CIVISA), at 3.15am (Lisbon time) an earthquake of magnitude 3.1 (Richter) and the epicentre were recorded about 32 kilometres west of Capelo, Faial Island.

According to available information, the earthquake was felt with maximum intensity III (Modified Mercalli Scale) in Capelo parish (Horta municipality, Faial island).

CIVISA says it continues to monitor developments and will issue further announcements if necessary.

This was at least the third earthquake felt in the same zone in two days. On Saturday, 7 December, two aftershocks were recorded on the Azorean island of Faial, one at dawn (3.2 on the Richter scale) and another in the afternoon (3.5).

Since 3 November, the west of Faial has been experiencing an increase in seismic activity.

Earthquakes are classified according to their magnitude as micro (less than 2.0), very small (2.0-2.9), small (3.0-3.9), slight (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 (greater than 10).