Canary Islands

by Juan Carlos Carracedo and Simon Day

Published 1 January 2002

Rising from the floor of the Atlantic the seven Canary Islands are related to a mantle plume or hotspot. The islands' geology is characterized by a wide range of volcanic and intrusive rocks, exposed in spectacular scenery and easily reached by road and on foot. These rocks include all the stage characteristics of oceanic island volcanoes. This clearly written and fully illustrated introductory guide is an essential accompaniment for earth scientists visiting the islands.