Lanzarote’s Atlantida volcanic tunnel recognised as part of world geological heritage

The La Corona–La Atlántida volcanic tunnel has been recognised as part of the world’s geological heritage by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).

The IUGS announced the inclusion of the tunnel in its Third 100 Geological Heritage Sites on Friday at a ceremony in Portugal.

The 10-kiloometre tunnel extends from Montaña Corona to the sea, and includes Jameos del Agua and the Cueva de los Verdes in its land-based section.  At nearly 2 kilometres in length, the underwater section of the tunnel is the longest submarine volcanic tube in the world.

The tunnel was formed on dry land between 21,000 and 26,000 years ago during the eruption of Montaña Corona at a time when the sea level was around 120 metres lower than it is today. Rising oceans later submerged parts of the tunnel.

Anyone who is interested in the tunnel should head to the Casa de los Volcanes at Jameos del Agua, where you can see scale models of the system and take a virtual tour of the underwater tunnel. Or, if you’re not claustrophobic, you can watch this short documentary about exploration of the cave – Aquanauts under the Volcano (subtitles available).