Unveiling Mount Los Atlantes

A team of scientists from Spain has conducted groundbreaking explorations using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and have stumbled upon "Mount Los Atlantes." This underwater seamount, featuring three dormant volcanoes, lies at an astonishing depth that varies between 330 and 8,200 feet (100 to 2,500 meters). Spanning about 31 miles (50 kilometers) in diameter, its base lurks nearly 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers) beneath the ocean’s surface.

The seamount is situated off the eastern coast of Lanzarote and is believed to have been part of a group of islands that existed above sea level during the Eocene epoch, around 56 to 34 million years ago. An immense volcanic eruption led to the gradual submergence of these islands, leaving behind remnants below the waves.

Linking to the Atlantis Legend

The discovery of Mount Los Atlantes offers fresh perspective on the age-old story recounted by the philosopher Plato, who claimed that Atlantis was a once-thriving civilization punished by the gods and submerged into the ocean due to its moral decay. Geological features uncovered by the team parallel elements of the Atlantis narrative, sparking curiosity among both scientists and myth enthusiasts alike.

Luis Somoza, a prominent geologist and head of the project with the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC), shared, "This could indeed be the origin of the Atlantis legend." He elaborates, "These islands were once above the water, but have since sunk, a scenario that mirrors Atlantis's fate."

Among the notable findings on the summit of Mount Los Atlantes are remnants of beaches, cliffs, and sand dunes that tell tales of a rich past. Some of these ancient beaches surprisingly lie just 200 feet (60 meters) underwater.

The Volcanic Forces that Shaped the Islands

The story of Mount Los Atlantes is also one of volcanic activity. Eruptions from the seamount’s volcanoes led to the formation of dense rock features. Over eons, these rocky formations began to weigh heavier, causing the islands to sink beneath the ocean. During the last ice age, lower sea levels would have seen those volcanic mounts rise once again, potentially emerging as islands and creating a dynamic, ever-changing landscape.

For Somoza and his dedicated team, analyzing the geological evolution of this site offers invaluable insights into our planet's turbulent history.

What’s Next for Exploration?

While this discovery is already garnering headlines, the research team has more in store. They are preparing to collect and analyze samples from Mount Los Atlantes to date the volcanic rocks and trace the timeline of when these islands submerged. This endeavor not only promises to shed light on the Atlantis legend but also enriches our understanding of geological processes that shape our earth.

As the mystery deepens, the world watches in anticipation: could this submerged landform truly hold the secrets of a long-lost civilization? Stay tuned, as the ocean may still have more stories to tell!