Life in Cabo Verde(Volcanoes): Coastline of discovery

In this edition of “Cabo Verde Life” we explore the country’s stunning coastline and discover the spectacular volcanoes of Santo Antao. The Cape Verde Islands were created by magma rising through the ocean, which is why they never were part of the African continent. The eastern islands were the first to rise up out of the Atlantic and are therefore the oldest (Sal, Boavista and Maio). They are considered extinct.

Mountains and volcanoes – Santo Antao island is entirely made up of volcanic material. The tallest mountain is Topo de Coroa, reaching a height of 1,979 m. The second tallest is Pico da Cruz at 1,585 m. The island is divided into north and south by a mountain range long and considered one of the most mountainous of Cape Verde. Its mountains are composed of basalt. Many of its volcanoes are young, especially its calderas.

Since 1999, vulcanologists have observed continuous rising of the water temperature of the sea in the area of Ponta do Sol which may indicate the risk of a new eruption in the area.These are undersea volcanoes that have not (yet) reached the water’s surface and will cause the creation of a new Cape Verde island in the future.