Laacher See volcano shows signs of activity via seismic monitoring

Researchers monitoring the Laacher See in the Eifel region of western Germany have recorded over 500 micro-earthquakes between September 2022 and August 2023. These seismic events, classified as ‘Deep-Low-Frequency’ (DLF) earthquakes, occur at depths of approximately 12 to 14 kilometers.

Experts suggest these DLF earthquakes are indicators of magmatic fluid movement at great depths, a phenomenon regularly observed under active volcanoes in locations such as Iceland and Japan. The Laacher See volcano last erupted approximately 13,000 years ago in an explosion so powerful that ash reached as far as Sweden and Italy.

Recent data from October 2025 indicates a slight increase in seismic activity in the East Eifel region, echoing findings from a 2019 study. Scientists continue to advocate for continuous monitoring of the area, which contains a volcanic field of roughly 100 volcanoes.