About Flores
Flores is a stratovolcano(es) rising to 914 meters (2,999 feet) in Portugal's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption dates to 950 BCE, in prehistoric times. The volcano has produced 2 recorded eruptions.
Geography & Climate
Flores is located in Portugal, within the Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 39.46° N, 31.22° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With a summit elevation of 914 meters above sea level, Flores is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Flores is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Flores tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Portugal more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Flores has 2 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1200 BCE to 950 BCE. These eruptions span roughly 250 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Flores Island and Corvo Island to its north are located over 200 km W of the other Azores islands, west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Growth of an initially submarine volcano included Pleistocene explosive activity associated with formation of small calderas. The 12 x 17 km island of Flores contains numerous cones and craters. Following a long period of quiescence beginning about 200,000 years ago, several phreatomagmatic craters and associated lava flows erupted during the Holocene. The Caldeira Funda de Lajes tuff ring formed about 3,150 years ago, accompanied by a lava flow that reached the SE coast at Lajes. The Caldeira Comprida tuff ring in Caldeira Seca, west-central Flores, erupted about 2,900 years ago and produced a lava flow that traveled NW to the coast at Faja Grande.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
2 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 950 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Caldeira Comprida |
| 1200 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | Caldeira Funda de Lajes |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Flores
Is Flores an active volcano?+
Flores is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 950 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Flores last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Flores occurred in 950 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Flores has 2 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Flores?+
Flores has a summit elevation of 914 meters (2,999 feet) above sea level. At 914 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Flores?+
Flores is classified as a Stratovolcano(es). Stratovolcano(es) volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Flores located?+
Flores is located in Portugal, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 39.462° latitude, -31.216° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Flores?+
Flores can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Portugal may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
