Topo Volcano Explained

Topo Volcano
Elevation M:1002
Coordinates:38.4225°N -28.2261°W
Area:18km3 (subaerial)
Volume:8km3 (subaerial)
Location:Pico Island, Azores
Map:Portugal Azores Pico#Portugal Azores#Atlantic Ocean
Age:300,000-10,000 years
Type:Shield volcano
Geology:Ankaramite
Last Eruption:5,000-10,000 years ago

Topo Volcano (Portuguese: Portuguese: Vulcão do Topo) is an inactive shield volcano located on Pico Island, Azores. The volcano measures 1002m (3,287feet) in height and occupies the southernmost area of the island. It is part of the Lajes (or Topo) Volcanic Complex, the oldest volcanic apparatus which gave origin to the island, around 300,000 years ago. The volcano was created by a 600m (2,000feet) thick superposition of alternated Pāhoehoe lava flows and thin layers (10%) of pyroclastic material.[1] [2] [3] [4]

Its land area is approximately 18km2 but its total area, accounting for the sea floor and the area that gave rise to the Achada Plateau, is estimated to be around 120km2.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cruz . José V. . Silva . Manuel O. . Estudo do efeito de maré em aquíferos costeiros: O caso de estudo da ilha do Pico (Açores - Portugal) . 15 June 2021.
  2. Web site: Vulcão do Topo (Pico) . pt.artazores.com . 15 June 2021.
  3. XII Expedição Científica do Departamento de Biologia . 34 . Nunes . João C. . Lima . Eva A. . Fontiela . João . Caracterização geomorfológica e geológica da fajã lávica das Lages do Pico (Açores). Condicionantes e vulnerabilidades associadas . 15 June 2021 . June 2006.
  4. Web site: Enciclopédia Açoriana . Cultura Açores . 15 June 2021 . pt.