A team of researchers, led by the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC), has made a significant discovery in the waters of the North Atlantic, specifically in the region north of the Canary Islands. During a research campaign conducted aboard the oceanographic vessel Sarmiento de Gamboa, three new underwater volcanoes were identified, which have been named Monte Los Atlantes. This name not only refers to the location of the discovery but also to the Atlantis project, which is linked to the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities through CSIC.
These volcanoes, located to the east of Lanzarote, could have a historical connection with the volcanic eruptions that shaped Timanfaya. In fact, it is speculated that some of these underwater mountains might have been islands during the Eocene, a geological period that spans from 56 to 34 million years ago.
This could be the origin of the legend of Atlantis, Luis Somoza told Live Science in an email.
The Atlantis project, led by researchers Luis Somoza and Javier González, has brought together a multidisciplinary group of experts from various universities and institutions, both national and international. Among the participants are the Complutense University of Madrid, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and other renowned entities such as the Canary Islands Volcanology Institute (INVOLCAN) and the Hydrographic Institute of the Navy. This team has focused on investigating the seafloor at depths between 100 and 2,500 meters, aiming to detect signs of magmatic and hydrothermal activity that could pose a risk to the Canary population in the future.
As part of this research, environmental processes and mineral formation under extreme conditions are also being examined. This includes the study of microorganisms that promote the biomineralization of valuable metals such as manganese, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are crucial in the context of the current energy transition. The discovery of these new underwater volcanoes represents a significant advance in better understanding the geological dynamics of the region and the potential risks associated with future eruptions.
The discovery of these volcanoes adds to the previous work of the same research team, which earlier discovered the so-called abuelas seamounts, located south of the Canary Islands. These seamounts are considered the predecessors of the current archipelago, with one of the most well-known being Monte Tropic. In this campaign, the researchers divided their work into two phases: the first focused on the more recent volcanoes, known as hijas, and the second on the madres seamounts located to the north, which gave rise to the archipelago.
During the exploration, an unmanned underwater vehicle (ROV) equipped with advanced technology, such as ultra-high-resolution cameras and sensors to detect gases in the water, was used. This ROV has the ability to dive up to 6,000 meters deep, allowing for detailed images of marine life that has emerged following recent volcanic eruptions. These images show how underwater ecosystems are rebounding, with the formation of new coral and sponge gardens, as well as areas covered with bacterial mats near hydrothermal vents.
The use of these advanced technologies has been crucial not only for the discovery of the volcanoes but also for facilitating detailed mapping of the seafloor and the properties of the ocean’s water column. The information obtained will be vital in addressing the risks of future underwater eruptions, similar to those that occurred in El Hierro in 2011-2012 or in La Palma.
In summary, the Atlantis project campaign has not only revealed new insights into the submarine geology of the Canary archipelago but has also highlighted the importance of scientific research in mitigating natural risks. This collaborative effort among various institutions strengthens the ability to anticipate and manage the geological challenges that could affect the population in the future. Some of the live broadcasts of this campaign are available on the IGME-CSIC YouTube channel.
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