Today we got to know the most recent geologic history of the island while visiting Timanfaya National Park, appropriately called Montañas del Fuego (fire mountains).  From 1730 and 1736, the 51 sq. km area erupted in a line of 25 volcanic craters, creating an epic Lunar landscape.  The volcanoes are still active, which is demonstrated by the 600 degree C temperatures at only 13 m below the surface.  

We were hosted by incredibly knowledgable guides who pointed out the implications of the colours of the lava: red is oxidized iron, purple, oxidized magnesium, and the blue of oxidized copper.  Of course, on the Moon without the presence of an atmosphere, and so, no oxygen, we wouldn't be treated to this rainbow of lava fields. 

We also learned about the different types of lava flows; pãhoehoe lavas create a ropey, smooth lava, while 'a'ā lava is more viscous and so doesn't flow as smoothly, crinkly up as it crusts over on its path down.  

To end our tour we visited the one of Lanzarote's Geodynamics laboratories and learned about how they are monitoring seismic activity in the area.  

The park, of course, isn't just host to volcanoes but boasts beautiful delicate lichens and desert plants with a unique ability to thrive in an extremely arid environment, as well as hawks, and dromedary. These last aren't indigenous but rather a historical artifact from when they were put to work farming the land.

After an incredible tour and a bit of a rest, we had our first night access to Cueva de los Verdes, the main tourist area of the La Corona lava tube. The kilometers long section is beautifully set up to allow the public to experience this multi-level lava tube.  With views of perfectly still mirror ponds that make you feel like you're standing on a precipice, and the most incredible concert hall (yes, they still host concerts here a few times a month!), we were lucky enough to have the entire place to ourselves to take our data. We spent three hours working in the lava tube collecting data for the HexSense, Earth Mission Control and Capturing the Moon. Dinner was at a local TeleClub (the social clubs of the island and the typical place for locals to get a bite to eat).

 This field research was made possible, in part, by MIT Media Lab member company, Castrol.