The hows and whys of pre-eruptive magma migration before 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption

Reservoirs accumulate and evolve magma during decades to centuries under Canary Islands volcanoes. Finally, magma migrates towards the surface before eruptions. However, little is known about the pathways and mechanisms controlling this migration. Past low eruption recurrence rate and the fact that the most recent 2011-2012 El Hierro eruption was off-shore hampered us to fully understand the magma(s) migration process. During the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption eruptible magmas showed remarkable mobility during the preceding 8 days before the eruption on the 13th of September 2021. This magma migration was reflected as surface ground deformation and seismicity. We used satellite radar interferometry to track 1) the geometry of the active magmatic reservoirs, and 2) the dynamics of magma emplacement and migration. To further, speculate about the reasons for that geometry and dynamics. Hence, the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption represents a unique opportunity to learn more about the mechanisms that facilitate magma migration beneath these volcanoes, and compare it with similar basaltic volcanoes. Our work aims to contribute knowledge that will help hazard assessment and volcanic risk reduction.