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Geosite ID: PSt09 Name: Ilhéu de Cima - Cabeço das Laranjas Thematic category: Paleontology |
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Municipality: Porto Santo Civil parish: Porto Santo Location area: 0.1-10 ha Coordinates(1): 33°03'19.53'' N 16°17'01.73'' W / 33°03'27.62'' N 16°17'10.40'' W Altitude: 81 m Accessibility: Easy Distance to nearest paved road: 2,1 nmi Conditions of observation: Good (1) Coordinates of the geosite and / or the best viewpoint |
Brief description
In the "Cabeço das Laranjas", in the NW tip of this islet, it is possible to observe a high concentration of fossilized rhodoliths, structures that were formed by calcareous algae of the red algae group, in the Miocene (15-14 My). These are contemporaneous to the pre-emergence phase of Porto Santo. These are found between two volcanic complexes, a basaltic submarine one, from between 18.8 and 13.5 My and another basaltic subaerial one, from between 14 and 10.2 My. This fact makes this outcrop a highly relevant site. The rhodoliths are locally known as "oranges" because of its resemblance to the fruit. Like the other islets, its individualization occurred after the last glaciation and the deposition of the aeolianitic formation during the Holocene.
Relevant notes
The visitation to the islanders requires prior authorization from the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN).
Visiting a site of geological interest is the sole responsibility of the user.
The user must take precautions when visiting the site, taking into account the conditions of the terrain, weather conditions and other hazards, so that they do not create situations that put themselves or others at risk.
The user must respect private property. Access to private areas requires prior authorization from the owners.
The user must respect natural heritage, keeping it intact. The impact of your actions should be minimal.
How to Cite
FERREIRA, M. R. (2014). Património Geológico da Ilha do Porto Santo e Ilhéus Adjacentes (Madeira): Inventariação, Avaliação e Valorização como Contributo para a Geoconservação. Dissertação de Mestrado em Vulcanologia e Riscos Geológicos. Departamento de Geociências da Universidade dos Açores. In: https://geodiversidade.