Greek Scientists Concerned Over Active Volcano Near Athens

An active volcano on the Methana Peninsula, which is only 50 km (31 miles) south of Athens, has become a concern for Greek scientists, who have now decided to bolster monitoring.

The Institute of Geodynamics of the National Observatory of Athens placed three new stations on the peninsula to monitor the volcano during the month of February, and it plans to add three more in the next few weeks.

Researcher Christos Evangelidis told the Athens News Agency that the Methana volcano might not be as dangerous as those on the islands of Santorini or Nisyros. However, it “poses a threat since it’s only fifty kilometers away from the capital.”

The Methana Peninsula contains some thirty-two volcanoes, including the largest one, dubbed the Methana volcano. Volcanic activity in the peninsula began 1 million years ago and continued sporadically until approximately 300 years ago.

The last eruptions took place in the year 1700 in a volcano under the sea, located just north of the village of Kameni Chora.

Source: greekreporter.com