Geosciences Working Group

lecturer: Prof. Dr. Jens Lehmann
The archipelago, formed by a magmatic hotspot, is located about 500 kilometers off the northwest coast of Africa. On a volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean, one would not normally expect to find fossils. But upon closer examination, it turns out that the archipelago of Madeira holds some paleontological treasures. This has everything to do with a fascinating "dance on the volcano". Imagine: On a sunny day, plumes of smoke spread across the Atlantic as a lava flow blankets the fledgling, small island. Incessantly, ash rains down on the animals and plants of the neighboring reef, most of which are buried under this ash. However, some of the creatures survive this dramatic event. As a result, a new reef is formed, although its fate is also predetermined.

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