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 plate African. The stratovolcano Pico , located on the island of the same name is the culminate summit. This volcano is over 3000 m 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. It is 5439 meters long, and in some places it is more than 15 meters high, making it 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
