Physical map of the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores
Physically the island of Sao Miguel is composed of an ancient massif at the eastern end (the Complex of Povoação - Nordeste), and three stratovolcanoes: Sete Cidades, Fogo and Furnas. These volcanic massifs are linked together by recent alignments of slag cones. The stratovolcano of Sete Cidades is known above all for its large caldera (caldeira), 5 km in diameter and 350 m in average depth. In it there are two lagoons (Lagoa Verde to the south and Lagoa Azul to the north), as well as numerous volcanoes of trachytic nature.
The stratovolcano of Fogo occupies the center of the island, with a caldera (caldeira) of about 3 km in diameter. The last eruption of Fogo occurred in 1564. The third stratovolcano is that of Furnas, which has known two eruptions in historical times, in 1440 and 1630. The last resulted in the deaths of some 200 people.
In the eastern part of the island is Pico da Vara, the highest point on the island, with an altitude of 1103 m. In the central zone is the Água de Pau mountain range, 940 m high. In the western zone is the Caldeira das Sete Cidades, at 850 m altitude.
The ancestral laurel forests have been largely replaced by cultivated fields, pastures and introduced vegetation, the most common species being the cryptomeria japonica conifer. There are some hot water points (caldeiras), generally located in the center of the island, from Povoação to Nordeste. Its fertile lands produce cereals, tea, wine and fruit, and feed cattle.
The stratovolcano of Fogo occupies the center of the island, with a caldera (caldeira) of about 3 km in diameter. The last eruption of Fogo occurred in 1564. The third stratovolcano is that of Furnas, which has known two eruptions in historical times, in 1440 and 1630. The last resulted in the deaths of some 200 people.
In the eastern part of the island is Pico da Vara, the highest point on the island, with an altitude of 1103 m. In the central zone is the Água de Pau mountain range, 940 m high. In the western zone is the Caldeira das Sete Cidades, at 850 m altitude.
The ancestral laurel forests have been largely replaced by cultivated fields, pastures and introduced vegetation, the most common species being the cryptomeria japonica conifer. There are some hot water points (caldeiras), generally located in the center of the island, from Povoação to Nordeste. Its fertile lands produce cereals, tea, wine and fruit, and feed cattle.
