Pico Fracture Zone
Fissure vent · -4,200m · Undersea Features
About Pico Fracture Zone
Pico Fracture Zone is a fissure vent rising to -4,200 meters (-13,780 feet) in Undersea Features's Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1865 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Pico Fracture Zone is located in Undersea Features, within the Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. Situated at 38.75° N, 38.08° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a temperate climate zone. With an elevation of -4,200 meters — below sea level — Pico Fracture Zone is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature. Submarine volcanoes make up the majority of Earth's volcanic activity, though most eruptions go unobserved beneath the ocean surface. The volcanic landform is characterized as a cluster, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Pico Fracture Zone 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 Pico Fracture Zone tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Undersea Features more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is no data (checked), which influences the viscosity of the magma and, consequently, the style of eruptions this volcano produces. Rock chemistry is one of the most important factors in determining whether a volcano erupts explosively or effusively.
Eruption History Summary
Pico Fracture Zone has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1865 CE to 1865 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
On 9 July 1865 the crew of a whaling ship observed a submarine eruption. Floating pumice reached the ocean surface, where it formed a large "floating mountain." A strong odor of sulfur was noticed, and dull rumbling sounds were heard at intervals of one hour.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1865 | 0 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Pico Fracture Zone
Is Pico Fracture Zone an active volcano?+
Pico Fracture Zone is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1865 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Pico Fracture Zone last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Pico Fracture Zone occurred in 1865 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 0. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Pico Fracture Zone has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Pico Fracture Zone?+
Pico Fracture Zone has a summit elevation of -4,200 meters (-13,780 feet) above sea level. With an elevation of -4,200 meters (below sea level), this is a submarine or submerged volcanic feature.
What type of volcano is Pico Fracture Zone?+
Pico Fracture Zone is classified as a Fissure vent. Fissure vent volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Pico Fracture Zone located?+
Pico Fracture Zone is located in Undersea Features, in the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Azores-Terceira Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 38.750° latitude, -38.080° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Pico Fracture Zone?+
Pico Fracture Zone can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Undersea Features may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
