The Corona lava tube on the Canarian island of Lanzarote is a unique subterranean ecosystem comprising both dry and submerged cave sections with a total length of almost 8 km. Here, we present the results of a diving exploration of the lava tube that took place from 11 to 25 March 2008. Environmental characteristics are given for ecologically disparate sections of the cave, including the Cueva de los Lagos, the Jameos del Agua, and the TA(0)nel de la Atlantida. Moreover, we compare various habitats within the lava tube, and discuss the origin of the diverse hypogean fauna, including new species of remipede crustaceans and polychaete worms discovered during the expedition.
The Corona lava tube, Lanzarote: geology, habitat diversity and biogeography
2009
Abstract
The Corona lava tube on the Canarian island of Lanzarote is a unique subterranean ecosystem comprising both dry and submerged cave sections with a total length of almost 8 km. Here, we present the results of a diving exploration of the lava tube that took place from 11 to 25 March 2008. Environmental characteristics are given for ecologically disparate sections of the cave, including the Cueva de los Lagos, the Jameos del Agua, and the TA(0)nel de la Atlantida. Moreover, we compare various habitats within the lava tube, and discuss the origin of the diverse hypogean fauna, including new species of remipede crustaceans and polychaete worms discovered during the expedition.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
