Beneath ocean: World's longest volcanic tunnel has hidden secret in Spain VIDEO

Indian Defence Review describes in a new article that beneath the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote in Spain's Canary Islands lies a hidden gem that has captivated scientists for centuries: the La Corona volcanic tube.

Spanning nearly five miles, this underground wonder, with its labyrinthine tunnels and submerged passages, is a testament to Earth’s fiery forces. 

Geological studies revealed its remarkable formation, which dates back 20,000 years to the eruption of the Corona Volcano. This natural tunnel stretches across both land and under the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the longest volcanic tubes in the world.

Now, the La Corona volcanic tube is being considered for World Geological Heritage Site status by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). With its winding corridors, underground lakes, and submerged caves, the volcanic tube is a geological masterpiece, offering a rare window into Earth’s volcanic forces.

The volcanic tube is a vast system of tunnels and caverns formed by the powerful flow of molten lava from the eruption of the Corona Volcano. As the outer layers of lava solidified, the interior remained molten, allowing it to continue flowing and carving tunnels beneath the surface. Once the eruption ended, it left behind a sprawling, interconnected system of caves and submerged pathways, preserved through time.

Spanning 4.7 miles (7.5 km), with nearly one mile submerged underwater, the tube is made up of three distinct sections:

One of the most captivating sections of the tube is Cueva de los Verdes (Cave of the Greens). While some attribute the name to the green hues reflected in its volcanic rock, others believe it was once a hideout for a wealthy family named Los Verdes. The cave is a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry, with rock formations sculpted over millennia by lava, water, and wind. Visitors who journey through the cave end up in an auditorium with extraordinary natural acoustics, often used for concerts and events, amplifying the mystical atmosphere of this ancient space.

Further along the tube is Jameos del Agua, a coastal cavern where seawater has seeped into the volcanic passages. Inside, visitors find a crystal-clear lake inhabited by the rare albino, blind crabs found nowhere else on Earth. These "white crabs" are evolutionary anomalies, adapted to thrive in the pitch-black environment of the cave.

Jameos del Agua also houses Casa de los Volcanes, a geological museum and research center dedicated to studying the island’s volcanic origins. Visitors can explore exhibitions, a concert hall, and a multifunctional room set against the dramatic backdrop of the volcanic tunnel.

The final section of the volcanic tube, The Atlantis Tube, is the most mysterious. Completely submerged beneath the ocean’s surface, this section is one of the longest underwater lava tunnels on Earth. It remains largely unexplored, preserving an untouched environment that holds secrets yet to be uncovered. Scientists are studying the submerged corridors, hoping to uncover rare geological formations and potential unknown marine life that may inhabit this dark, volcanic realm.

With its underground lakes, volcanic tunnels, and pristine underwater passages, the La Corona volcanic tube is now under consideration for World Geological Heritage Site designation by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). If awarded, it would be officially recognized as a natural wonder of global significance, highlighting its scientific and cultural importance.

As researchers continue to explore this hidden underground world, La Corona stands as a testament to Earth’s raw power—a remarkable landscape shaped by fire, water, and time, offering an awe-inspiring glimpse into the planet’s geological history.

By Naila Huseynova