A chain of scoria cones known as the Picos Fissural Volcanic System encompasses Sao Miguel Island between Sete Cidades and Agua de Pau volcanoes, seen in this view from the east below the Agua de Pau (Lagoa do Fogo) caldera. Scoria cones are the dominant volcanic form in the system, and over 270 are recognized here. The southern coast of Sao Miguel appears in the background. About 30 eruptions have occurred during the past 5,000 years, including eruptions in 1563 and 1652.

Copyrighted photo by Marco Fulle, 2000 (Stromboli On-Line, http://stromboli.net).

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Keywords: scoria cone

Picos Fissural Volcanic System