Pico Alto, Mountain summit in Pico Island, Portugal
Pico Alto is a volcanic summit on Pico Island in Portugal, rising approximately 2,350 meters above sea level. A crater bowl around 500 meters across sits at its peak, with a smaller volcanic cone called Piquinho rising from the center.
The volcano erupted several times between 1562 and 1720, sending lava flows toward the ocean and reshaping the surrounding land. These eruption phases created the mountain's present form and the geological features visitors see today.
The mountain holds deep meaning for Pico Island residents, shaping their sense of place and appearing throughout local stories and traditions. People here have organized their lives around its slopes for generations, making it central to how they understand their home.
Visitors must register at Casa da Montanha, located around 1,200 meters elevation, where staff provide GPS trackers and monitor safety during the climb. The team gives guidance on route conditions and what to expect along the way up.
An atmospheric research observatory sits on the summit plateau and continuously monitors particles and air quality over the Atlantic Ocean. The readings from this high altitude location provide valuable data for understanding air pollution patterns across the region.
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