The seismites of El Médano - Tenerife

One of the most characteristic areas is the seismic park , a phenomenon that occurred 3,500 years ago after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale. The movement lifted some of the sand and water, making them acquired a cylindrical shape , called seismites.

The “seismites” are geological formations with a strange morphology that occur in this area of ​​El Médano. They are a type of tubular sandstone structures that emerge from the ground and although they go unnoticed if you are not paying attention, they are really noticeable when you notice their existence.

There are several theories about its formation: some consider it to be the remains of earthquakes that occurred in the past, when the island's volcanic activity was vibrant. Others say they are fossilized tree roots or even rhizomes , created like nests by worms in their ceaseless work of boring through the sand.

It is said that even NASA researchers have visited the site to study it, as identifying structures such as earthquakes could help in the search for water on other planets.

Be that as it may, there is no doubt that the spectacle of the 'seismites', apart from its scientific interest, is of undisputed photographic attraction .

Willem Vandenameele