SOUTHEASTERN ATLANTIC

The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, in a region known as Macaronesia, 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Morocco. The archipelago consist of seven islands including (from largest to smallest in area) Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro  - and many smaller islands and islets - which Dr. Alshuth explored during 1989 - 1991. The climate is tropical and desertic, moderated by the sea and in summer by the trade winds. There are a number of microclimates - the classifications range from semi-arid to desert.

Volcanic oceanic islands, such as the Canary Islands, form in deep parts of the oceans. The seven main Canary Islands originated as separate submarine seamount volcanoes on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Each seamount, built up by the eruption of many lava flows, eventually became an island. Subaerial volcanic eruptions continued on each island.  The Canary Islands differ from other volcanic oceanic islands, such as the Hawaiian Islands, in several ways – e.g., the Canary Islands have strato-volcanoes, compression structures and a lack of subsidence.

Publication related to this expedition include:


Alshuth, S. 1992.   Happy island - Gran Canaria. (German – Text and Photography). kosmos 6, 62-69.



Click on any picture below to start slide show.

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Exploring the Canary Islands Archipelago - off the NW coast of Africa.
Exploring the Canary Islands Archipelago - off the NW coast of Africa.
Black sand fishing village in Ajuy - the main fishing activities of the Canary Islands are coastal artisanal fishing.
Black sand fishing village in Ajuy - the main fishing activities of the Canary Islands are coastal artisanal fishing.
Desert landscape in Jandia, Fuerteventura - located close to the coasts of the western Sahara.
Desert landscape in Jandia, Fuerteventura - located close to the coasts of the western Sahara.
Marine xerophytes - low growing succulent plants found along Fuerteventura's shores.
Marine xerophytes - low growing succulent plants found along Fuerteventura's shores.
Deserted beaches at Costa Calma - Playa Barca - on the desert island of Fuerteventura.
Deserted beaches at Costa Calma - Playa Barca - on the desert island of Fuerteventura.
Marine lichens at the rocky shores of Jandida.
Marine lichens at the rocky shores of Jandida.
Sahara Dust and expansive, remote beaches at Playa de Corralejo.
Sahara Dust and expansive, remote beaches at Playa de Corralejo.
Mountain cliffs and beaches at Playa de Barlovento - southern Fuerteventura.
Mountain cliffs and beaches at Playa de Barlovento - southern Fuerteventura.
Sheltered cove and cliffs at Playa de Ajuy.
Sheltered cove and cliffs at Playa de Ajuy.
Ocean Triggerfish (Canthidermis sufflamen) - cruising the blue waters of the Canary Islands.
Ocean Triggerfish (Canthidermis sufflamen) - cruising the blue waters of the Canary Islands.
Lime urchin Diadema populations are overabundant due to overexploitation of its predators - scouring seabeds of algae.
Lime urchin Diadema populations are overabundant due to overexploitation of its predators - scouring seabeds of algae.
Angel sharks have received full protection in the Canary Islands - one of few remaining locations with a substantial population.
Angel sharks have received full protection in the Canary Islands - one of few remaining locations with a substantial population.
Dr. Alshuth at Barranco de los Encantados - sedimentary rocks and caves near northern Fuerteventura's Lajares Village
Dr. Alshuth at Barranco de los Encantados - sedimentary rocks and caves near northern Fuerteventura's Lajares Village
Fishing boats in Ajuy - coastal artisanal fishing for small pelagic species, demersal fish,and tuna.
Fishing boats in Ajuy - coastal artisanal fishing for small pelagic species, demersal fish,and tuna.
Mist over Montana de la Fuente in Gran Canaria.
Mist over Montana de la Fuente in
Gran Canaria.
Puerto de las Nieves - steep cliffs dropping into the sea.
Puerto de las Nieves - steep cliffs dropping into the sea.
Salt tolerant Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum). Succulent with glistening bladder cells - sparkle like ice crystals.
Salt tolerant Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum). Succulent with glistening bladder cells - sparkle like ice crystals.
Fishing boats at Puerto de Mogan - the southwestern part of Gran Canaria.
Fishing boats at Puerto de Mogan - the southwestern part of Gran Canaria.
Fataga Valley - San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Fataga Valley - San Bartolome de Tirajana.
Caldera de Bandama, a volcanic crater 569 m above sea level - contains volcanic ash, and endemic botanic species.
Caldera de Bandama, a volcanic crater 569 m above sea level - contains volcanic ash, and endemic botanic species.
Pine forest cliffs at Pinar de Tamadaba, 1000 m elevation.
Pine forest cliffs at Pinar de Tamadaba, 1000 m elevation.
View from Cuatro Puertas at Mount Bermeja - a complex of caves in the south of Telde, Gran Canaria.
View from Cuatro Puertas at Mount Bermeja - a complex of caves in the south of Telde, Gran Canaria.
Tejeda with view of Roque Bentayga.
Tejeda with view of Roque Bentayga.
At Pico de las Nieves - second highest peak (1,949 m) on Gran Canaria - of volcanic origin (stratovolcano).
At Pico de las Nieves - second highest peak (1,949 m) on Gran Canaria - of volcanic origin (stratovolcano).

CANARY ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO

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