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Furna do Enxofre

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description Furna do Enxofre Overview

Furna do Enxofre is a volcanic cave on Graciosa Island in the Azores, Portugal, featuring an underground lake and active sulfur fumaroles. The cave's geothermal environment maintains warm temperatures, supporting unique microorganisms. It is accessible via a spiral staircase for guided tours.

help Furna do Enxofre FAQ

Where is Furna do Enxofre, and how do visitors enter it?

The cave lies inside the Caldeira da Graciosa Natural Monument on Graciosa in the Azores. Visitors enter through the official visitor center and descend a tower containing 183 steps.

Is the lake inside Furna do Enxofre hot or sulfurous?

The cave contains a cold freshwater lake, not a hot sulfur pool, and the lake is about 11 meters deep. The geothermal activity appears separately as a mud fumarole and diffuse gas emissions from the cave floor.

How large is the Furna do Enxofre cave?

Azorean park authorities describe it as approximately 194 meters long and about 50 meters high at its center. Its dome-shaped volcanic ceiling is one of the cave's most distinctive features.

Why are gas levels monitored before people enter Furna do Enxofre?

Carbon dioxide and other volcanic gases can accumulate in the low parts of the cave because of ongoing soil degassing. The visitor center displays detected gas values, and access may be restricted when conditions are unsafe.

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