Geological setting
Flores, along with the island of Corvo, is situated on the American Continental Plate of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and belongs to the western group of islands in the Azores archipelago. Geomorphologically, the island is composed of two units:
The Central Massif - it is the central plain, where is located many maar structures with lake-filled craters adjacent lands;
The Coastal Periphery - it includes the coastal zones, cliffs and ancient beaches, as well as the coastal shelf. The island developed initially from a submarine volcano from the Pleistocene period that constructed small calderas and numerous pyroclastic cones. Following a long period of quiescence beginning about 200,000 years ago, several young phreatomagmatic craters and associated lava flows erupted during the Holocene period, including two about 3000 years ago.
Now focusing on our theme, Fajã de Lopo Vaz is the major slope deposit of the island.
“Fajã de Lopo Vaz” is a massive slope deposit accumulated at the base of impressive sea cliffs, whose shoreline were reworked by sea actions. These detritical deposits are named in Azores (and also Madeira and Cape Verde islands) as “fajãs”.
About the EarthCache:
To do this EarthCache you will have to go through the pedestrian trail
PR4FLO - Faja Lopo Vaz
After exploring the area, you will have to perform three tasks:
a) In the GZ, look around and describe the scenario of the Fajã de Lopo Vaz. Explain by your own words how it become like that.
b) Describe and explain the shape, texture and colour of the rocks you encounter in the GZ.
c) Also, how many natural water sources can you find ?
After having the tasks performed just relax and sit in the ground and listen to this nature soundscape!
Being
OPTIONAL, and since we appreciate images, publish along with your log an image in the start of the walking trail (include yourself if you want), this way images will not be spoilers.
Send me the answers via my geocaching profile and enjoy your visit.
E-mail me the answer and the image to netuseraz (at) hotmail (dot) com before logging the cache. I will get back to you with the permission to do so.