Idea #182 – Exploring the underground volcanic area on the island of Pico
The volcanic islands of Azores are located on a particular point, where three tectonic plates meet: The North American plate, the Eurasian plate and the African plate. The stratovolcano Pico, located on the island of the same name, is the culminate summit. This volcano is over 3000 meters height from the bottom of the ocean, and consists of an imposing central cone, with steep slopes .
Near 80 caves of volcanic origin are also identified on the island of Pico ; the most famously, the Grutta das Torres, is a lava tube located on the western slopes of the volcano, dated from 500 to 1500 years ago. It is 5439 meters long, and in some places, it is more than 15 meters high. The tunnel is considered as the longest lava tunnel in Europe. This field, discovered in 1990, was declared “National Monument” in 2004.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Pico Island, Azores Archipelago, Portugal.
Larger Map