Caldeira Volcano
The Caldeira Volcano is the highest mountain, massive stratovolcano and the largest geomorphological structure that forms the island of Faial. The mountain's highest point, Cabeço Gordo, reaches above sea level. One of the most notable features of this volcano is its two kilometer wide caldera, that is in depth below the crater rim.
History
Along the western edge of the Ribeirinha Volcano, the Central Volcanic Complex formed about 410,000 years ago, along with several structures that arose from tectonics. Evidence of this process has not been preserved due to subsidence, but it is generally believed that two formations reflecting a geochemical variation that occurred about 16,000 years ago. The Lower group, was marked by the predominance of a Hawaiian/Strombolian eruptive process, that was composed of basaltic and benmoreitic rocks. The secondary, Upper group, was a highly explosive period, which produced a series of twelve deposits of pumice and surge deposits.The volcano was reduced by around in height due to an eruption that occurred around 1000 years ago. This was one of the last major explosive events recorded in the Azores.
Although the central volcano has not been active within the past two centuries, it has seen activity related to the eruption of Capelinhos. During this period, fumaroles in the caldera became active, and the minor lakes/swamps were dried-up by excessive heat.
The volcano, due to its central nature, is part of each parish on the island.