Santorini, a picturesque island in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, white-washed buildings, and vibrant sunsets. However, beneath its beauty lies a history of seismic activity, shaped by the island’s volcanic origins. The island’s unique geological setting makes it susceptible to earthquakes, which pose significant risks both to the local population and the infrastructure.
In recent years, the integration of sensors in submarine fiber optic systems has emerged as a promising solution to enhance the security and resilience of regions like Santorini. This article explores the seismic activity in Santorini and how submarine fiber optic sensors can contribute to security while also highlighting Greece’s strategic importance as a hub for global submarine cable systems, including the recent landing of the 2Africa cable.
The Seismic Activity in Santorini
Santorini’s geological history is marked by volcanic eruptions and seismic activity. The island is part of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, a region characterized by intense tectonic activity due to the subduction of the African Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic interaction has led to the formation of several active volcanoes, including the Santorini caldera.
The most significant volcanic event in Santorini’s history is the Minoan eruption, which occurred around 1600 BCE. This catastrophic eruption led to the collapse of the central part of the island, which formed the caldera we see today. The eruption also triggered a series of earthquakes and tsunamis, which caused widespread destruction and altered the course of history in the region.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynsey Thomas is an independent subsea specialist who has been involved in the international subsea business since 1995 and directing LT consulting since 2018. She piloted the first mentorship program for SubOptic and is serving as Program Chair for the SubOptic 2025 conference, to be held in Lisbon in June of 2025.
Previously, she has held senior positions in Cable & Wireless, Apollo SCS, Xtera, and SubSea Networks Ltd. and is a board member for Cirion Technologies. She holds a master’s degree in engineering science from the University of Oxford.
Eckhard Bruckschen is a master mariner and MBA with more than 30 years of experience in the offshore submarine cable industry. This experience includes plough and trenching / ROV operations; remedial works; installations of fiber optic, power, umbilical, and flexible pipes; and burial and bridge operations. Across his career, Bruckschen has managed the construction of over 40,000 kilometers of submarine fiber optic cables and 2,500 kilometers of submarine power cables.
