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Capelinhos

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description Capelinhos Overview

Capelinhos is a volcanic tuff cone located on the northwestern coast of Faial Island in the Portuguese Azores. It was formed during a Surtseyan eruption that began in 1957 and lasted until 1958, initially as a submarine event before building above sea level. The eruption buried a nearby lighthouse in ash and significantly expanded the land area of the island. Today, the site serves as a geoscience center and museum, where visitors can learn about the geological events and the local impact of the eruption.

help Capelinhos FAQ

When did the Capelinhos volcano erupt?

The Capelinhos volcano erupted on Faial Island in the Azores from September 1957 to October 1958. This event completely buried a local lighthouse and reshaped the island's western coastline.

Where is the Capelinhos volcano located?

It is located at the western tip of Faial Island, part of Portugal's Azores archipelago. The eruption began just off the coast but eventually connected to the main island.

Can you visit the Capelinhos lighthouse today?

Yes, visitors can explore the ruins of the lighthouse, which still stands buried in ash up to its windows. There is also an underground visitor center built into the volcanic rock nearby.

What type of volcano is Capelinhos?

Capelinhos is a volcanic tuff cone, formed by explosive hydrovolcanic activity where magma interacted with seawater. This type of eruption produces large amounts of fine ash and fragmented rock.

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