In a discovery that feels straight out of mythology, scientists have unveiled what many are calling the “Canary Islands’ Atlantis.” Beneath the waves off the southwestern coast of Spain’s Canary Islands lies a chain of ancient, sunken islands — once above sea level, now buried hundreds of meters below the sea. This incredible find is not just a curiosity; it’s a major step toward knowing Earth’s geological past.
Discovery
The underwater revelation came during the Drago 0511 scientific campaign, which identified around eight sunken islands, or seamounts, now submerged at depths of over 300 meters. These were once towering islands in their own right, formed by volcanic activity, and are believed to be precursors to today’s Canary Islands.
Ranging from 90 to 35 kilometers in length for the largest and 6 to 20 kilometers for the smallest, these formations stretch like underwater mountains across the ocean floor. The team behind the discovery refers to them affectionately as “the predecessors” — a reminder that the current islands may not have always stood alone.
Research
The discovery was the result of a five-year study aimed at mapping the ocean floor in detail. The purpose? To gather evidence for the extension of Spain’s continental shelf west of the Canary Islands. Using advanced bathymetric technology, researchers charted seamounts rising up to 3,500 meters from the ocean floor — as tall as Mount Teide viewed from the sea.
This area, located southwest of the archipelago, has now been confirmed as a natural underwater extension of the Canary Islands, once rising proudly above the water before sinking due to geological cooling.
Formation
These underwater mountains were formed by the same volcanic hot spot that created the Canary Islands. Deep beneath the ocean floor, magma pushes upward, slowly building up landmasses. Over time, these formations can either emerge as islands or sink again due to the cooling and contracting of the Earth’s crust, along with erosion from waves.
The process helps scientists understand not only how the Canary Islands formed, but also how they continue to evolve.
Names
In true poetic fashion, the Spanish government has given these ancient formations names that evoke a sense of family and continuity. They’ve proposed titles such as:
- “The Grandmothers”
- “The Mothers”
- “The Embryos” (which are projected to rise in millions of years)
These names are currently under review by the International Hydrographic Commission, which oversees naming underwater features around the world.
Atlantis?
Perhaps the most fascinating twist? These formations lie exactly in the region where legends have long placed the mythical Atlantis — the fabled lost civilization swallowed by the sea. While these ancient islands don’t hold lost cities or golden temples, the location adds an intriguing layer to the discovery, fueling imagination and scientific inquiry alike.
Here’s a summary of the most exciting features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Sunken Islands | About 8 |
| Depth | Over 300 meters below sea level |
| Length | Largest: 90–35 km / Smallest: 6–20 km |
| Height Above Seafloor | Up to 3,500 meters |
| Discovery Campaign | Drago 0511 |
| Geological Formation | Hot spot volcanic activity |
| Similarities | Shapes resemble Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro |
| Proposed Names | The Grandmothers, The Mothers, The Embryos |
Future
Some of the formations — especially “the Embryos” — are predicted to one day rise and form new islands. While this won’t happen for millions of years, it’s a reminder that Earth’s surface is always changing.
The discovery also emphasizes the importance of deep-sea exploration. Every new expedition unveils more of our planet’s hidden past, helping us understand how continents, islands, and marine ecosystems develop over time.
Far from being a lost myth, the “Atlantis of the Canaries” is real — just not in the way we imagined. And it’s proof that some of the ocean’s greatest secrets are still waiting to be uncovered.
FAQs
How many sunken islands were found?
Around eight ancient islands were discovered near the Canaries.
How deep are the underwater islands?
They lie over 300 meters below the ocean’s surface.
Are these islands connected to Atlantis?
They’re located where Atlantis legends placed the lost city.
What caused the islands to sink?
Cooling of Earth’s crust and erosion led to their submersion.
Will any of these seamounts become islands again?
Yes, ‘the Embryos’ may rise in millions of years.
