Tenerife, with its stunning landscapes and the iconic Mount Teide, is a popular holiday destination attracting millions of visitors each year. Teide National Park, home to the mighty volcano of the same name, offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Read on for A Short History of Tenerife’s Mount Teide: How It Formed and Its Multiple Eruptions
No holiday to Tenerife should be considered complete without a trip to the National Park – but, before you go, here are some details about how Teide helped form the island itself and the multiple eruptions that have occurred.
Formation of the Canary Islands through Volcanic Eruptions
The Canary Islands owe their existence to a series of volcanic eruptions over millions of years. Seismologists and geologists believe there were two phases involved in the formation of the Canaries:
Hotspot Theory: The islands are believed to have formed due to a hotspot beneath the Earth’s crust. As the African tectonic plate drifted over the hotspot, magma pushed through the crust, leading to volcanic activity.
Shield Volcanoes: The eruptions produced shield volcanoes, characterised by their gently sloping sides and broad, flat summits. These volcanoes gradually built up the islands’ landmass over time.
Eruptions of Mount Teide
Mount Teide, standing proudly at 3,718 meters (12,198 feet) above sea level and with a total height of approximately 7,500 meters (24,600 feet) from the ocean floor, has experienced multiple eruptions throughout its history. Here are some notable eruptions:
- 1492: The eruption of Mount Teide coincided with Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. The fiery spectacle was witnessed by the explorer, leaving a lasting impression on his historic journey.
- 1704: This eruption, known as the Eruption of Santa Catalina, was one of the most violent in Teide’s recorded history. It occurred in the La Orotava valley and caused widespread destruction, altering the landscape of the surrounding area.
- 1798: Another significant eruption occurred, known as the Eruption of Chahorra. It lasted for several months, releasing immense amounts of lava and volcanic ash. This eruption had a profound impact on the island’s topography, reshaping the surrounding landscape.
- Additional Eruptions: Apart from these well-documented eruptions, Mount Teide has had a long history of volcanic activity. Numerous smaller eruptions and volcanic events have taken place, contributing to the geological evolution of the island.
Formation of the Teide Crater
The Teide crater, known as the Cañadas Caldera, is a remarkable feature of Mount Teide. It was formed through a complex process involving volcanic activity and subsequent collapses. The formation of the Teide crater can be explained by various volcanic events:
- Volcanic Eruptions: During the early stages of Mount Teide’s formation, powerful eruptions occurred, releasing massive amounts of lava, ash, and volcanic debris.
- Formation of a Caldera: As the volcano erupted and the magma chamber emptied, the weight of the volcano’s summit caused the ground to collapse inward, forming a large depression known as a caldera. The Cañadas Caldera is one of the most prominent calderas in the world, with a diameter of approximately 17 kilometres (10.5 miles).
- Subsequent Volcanic Activity: Following the collapse, subsequent eruptions occurred within the caldera. These eruptions added layers of volcanic material, including lava flows and pyroclastic deposits, further shaping the Teide crater.
Today, the Teide crater stands as a testament to the volcanic forces that have shaped the landscape of Tenerife, offering a breathtaking sight for visitors.
Hiking Mount Teide and the Path to the Summit
Hiking Mount Teide is a popular adventure for those seeking to experience the natural beauty and awe-inspiring views from its summit. The trail to the top, the Mount Teide Summit Trail, offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Here’s an overview of the path:
- The trail starts at the Montaña Blanca trailhead, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,350 meters (7,710 feet).
- Hikers ascend through volcanic landscapes, passing by unique rock formations and awe-inspiring vistas.
- The final stretch to the summit takes you through the La Rambleta area, where you’ll encounter a cable car station that provides an alternative means of reaching near the peak.
- From La Rambleta, the trail continues uphill to the Pico Viejo viewpoint and eventually to the summit of Mount Teide.
- Hiking to the actual summit of Mount Teide requires a permit, which can be obtained in advance to manage the number of visitors and preserve the natural environment. It is essential to come prepared with proper hiking gear, sufficient water, and sunscreen, as the ascent can be physically demanding.
Reaching the summit of Mount Teide offers a profound sense of achievement and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the neighbouring islands and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Incidentally, at sunrise and sunset, Teide casts the longest shadow on the sea of any mountain in the world.
The team behind this blog, Deepbluemedia (a web design company in Tenerife) has climbed Teide and can thoroughly recommend the experience.
Predicting Future Volcanic Activity in the Canary Islands
Predicting future volcanic activity is an ongoing scientific endeavour that relies on comprehensive monitoring and analysis of geological data. While it is challenging to predict exact eruption timings, scientists continuously assess volcanic patterns, gas emissions, ground deformation, and seismic activity to monitor the volcanic potential of the Canary Islands.
Regarding the likelihood of further eruptions in the Canary Islands, several scenarios are considered, including the potential for volcanic activity on different islands. La Palma, in particular, is closely monitored due to its historical volcanic activity and the potential for a future eruption that could trigger a landslide and generate a tsunami affecting the eastern seaboard of the United States.
However, it’s important to note that volcanic activity in the Canary Islands is part of the natural geological processes that have shaped the archipelago. Through ongoing research, monitoring, and preparedness efforts, authorities aim to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
To see more videos from Tenerife, click here for the first day wakeboarding at Costa Adeje Tenerife – day two wakeboarding in Tenerife here – and day three wakeboarding in Tenerife on these links. You may also be interested in learning more about the best Tenerife attractions and best Tenerife activities. Alternatively check the iRide summer guides and winter guides for ideas of things to do.
Why you should visit Teide on your Tenerife holiday
The history of Mount Teide is intertwined with the captivating story of Tenerife and the Canary Islands. From its formation through volcanic eruptions to its status as the highest peak in Spain and the longest mountain shadow in the world, Mount Teide stands as an iconic symbol of nature’s power and beauty. Whether exploring the trails, witnessing the volcanic landscapes, or contemplating the ever-evolving nature of our planet, visiting Mount Teide is an unforgettable experience that highlights the unique geological heritage of this remarkable island.
