The volcanoes which form Timanfaya National Park, were formed during powerful eruptions of basaltic magma. In some ways they resemble those of Hawaii, this category of volcano emits huge amounts of lava whilst projecting moderate amounts of grains several hundred metres into the air. These grains are carried by the wind and deposited round the areas of their emission. Located at the base of the Macizo del Fuego is a laboratory which registers volcanic movement in Timanfaya. Seismic activity is monitored round the clock in this observatory, as well as the formation of the surface and thermal and gas emissions.

During the ascent of Macizo del Fuego, we can clearly see the fissure characteristics of the eruption as all central emission points are aligned along one single fault. When the eruptions finally ceased, the projected materials cooled down, but the emissions of gas continued for a long period of time. This caused a different phenomena to the altered appearance of omitted materials, resulting in the great kaleidoscope of colours we are now able to observe.