Montaña grande - Malpaís de Güímar - Tenerife

Montaña Grande is a volcanic cone that formed less than 10,000 years ago. The cone reaches up to 276 meters above sea level.

The crater of Montaña Grande has a diameter of about 300 meters and a depth of about 50 meters. It has a certain asymmetry due to the action of the wind during the formation period. In certain areas of the malpaïs there are several jameos (volcanic tube from which part of the roof falls down due to gravity). Notable is Cueva Honda , which was formed by a large gas bubble in a lava tube.

The coastline has eroded since the last eruptions and beaches have formed in some places.

The large lava field shows the characteristic appearance of the malpaís (aa) , although it also supports areas with a smoother surface (pahoehoe) .

Willem Vandenameele