Prevention & Awareness



Eruptions

A volcanic eruption is a phenomenon of Nature, usually associated with the expulsion of magma from deep regions of the Earth towards its surface.

 

There are different types of volcanic eruptions, differing in proportion and type of material expelled, and the violence of that expulsion. The proportion of rocks, gases and lava expelled by a volcano defines the type of eruption. The types of eruption are usually named from famous volcanos where it was observed a specific volcanological behavior. Some volcanos exhibit only a type of eruption during an interval of activity, while others may show a sequence of different types. Volcanic eruptions can be divided according to its violence, in explosive and effusive. The explosive eruptions are caused by the accumulation of vapor and gases under high pressure, which are released violently. The interaction of groundwater and magma creates vapor, which retained under layers of rock, accumulates until reaching a sufficiently high pressure to destroy it and be released into the atmosphere. Gases that may be dissolved within the ascending magma in the volcano, by the action of the high pressure in its interior, may also expand rapidly after the initial vapor explosion, forming a secondary explosion, which sometimes is more intense than the primary and that may form a pyroclastic flow. In contrast, in the effusive eruptions there is a slow release of lava, of low viscosity and reduced volatile content. There is no explosive phenomenon associated with this type of eruption.

CAPELINHOS VOLCANO

The Capelinhos Volcano is geologically inserted in the Capelo volcanic complex, constituted by approximately 20 cinder cones and respective lava flows, throughout a volcano-tectonic alignment of WNW-ESE general orientation. The name Capelinhos is due to the existence of two islets called “Ilhéus dos Capelinhos”. The volcano was active for 13 months, from September 27, 1957, to October 24, 1958. The Capelinhos eruption may have been an overlap of two distinct eruptions, one started on September 27, 1957, and the second on May 14, 1958. After October 25, the volcano entered a dormant phase. From a volcanological point of view, it should be considered as a potentially active volcano. The Capelinhos Volcano, also designated in volcanological literature as the Capelinhos Mistery, is located in Ponta dos Capelinhos, parish of Capelo, Faial Island, The Azores. It is one of the major tourist attractions of the Atlantic, namely the Azores, due to the singularity of its beautiful landscape, of a very recent and nearly virgin origin.

Self-protection Measures

Before

  • Keep in stock and in conditions of permanent use, the following material: 1 portable radio and backup batteries; 1 flashlight and backup batteries; candles and matches or a lighter; warm clothes, supply clothing and objects; special articles and baby food; water and food for a period of 48 to 72 hours; 1 Identity document; 1 sheet to draw the attention of airborne evacuation means;
  • Make a list of valuable objects to take with you in case of evacuation.
  • Identify the routes to reach the coast quickly, avoiding going through valleys (always dangerous due to the lava flow);
  • Identify the routes to reach an elevated and clearly visible location, so that rescue can be done by helicopter.

During

  • Keep calm and pass on tranquility to others;
  • Keep updated through portable radio;
  • Do not pay attention to rumors and alarming gossips or cooperate in their dissemination;
  • Follow accurately the directives transmitted by the authorities;
  • Prepare for a possible evacuation;
  • Do not visit the affected areas.