The Canary Islands: Volcanoes Transformed It into Another Planet

The Canary Islands are a group of volcanic islands located deep in the Atlantic Ocean. While known for sunshine and beaches, the true uniqueness of this archipelago lies in the volcanic energy hidden deep within the Earth's crust. Tens of millions of years ago, a series of violent eruptions shaped these seven main islands and six islets, giving them a rich and diverse landscape. Lanzarote Timanfaya National Park (Parque Nacional de Timanfaya) (Figures 1-2) is almost entirely covered in volcanic ash and lava. Layers of rock in red, orange, and yellow resemble solidified flames, recording the intense geological activity that once took place within the Earth. Tenerife Here stands Spain's highest peak and the world's third-largest volcano—Mount Teide (El Teide), reaching an altitude of 3,718 meters (Figures 3-4). Its crater-like landscape and volcanic rock plateaus have attracted filmmakers, with movies like "10,000 BC" and "Star Wars" using it as a backdrop, making it feel like stepping onto another planet. La Gomera The northwest coast of this small island hides an inconspicuous yet breathtaking wonder. Los Órganos (The Organs) (Figures 5-6), a basalt cliff formation spanning 200 meters wide and about 80 meters high, rises above the sea like a giant pipe organ, naturally sculpted by cooling magma. From volcanic peaks to magma remnants, the Canary Islands showcase a world shaped by geological forces. It's not just a vacation paradise, but a journey into the deep history of our planet. 📷 If you've captured these wonders, share your photos and let others see this "volcanic archipelago."