The evolution of the landslide that occurred in late October on the Northwest coast of Corvo island is being monitored by the Natural Park of the smallest island in the Azores. The natural process that transformed the newly formed islets into a peninsula continues to move forward and, apparently, it will result in a small "fajã" (geological formation) with a small lake.
"After the formation of the islets, the nearly 150 thousand tonnes of geological material formed a peninsula due to the deposition of materials. Subsequently, the structure has evolved into a more arched shape, like a horseshoe; the outer arc seems to be evolving towards land, "stressed the Regional Director for Sea Affairs, Frederico Cardigos.
According to Frederico Cardigos, these geological features are "somewhat unexpected" and "there seems to be a deposition of materials towards land, forming a small 'fajã'."
In this context, "the movement of the outer arc, which now forms a bay, might form a lake in the future."
The Regional Director for Sea Affairs said "it is too early to know what will happen next," but he admitted that "the evolution seems to be consistent with the formation of a landscape similar to Fajã dos Cubres or Fajã do Santo Cristo (São Jorge island), though in a much smaller size."
"Initially, the evolutionary scenario that was considered to be most likely, i.e., the mere disappearance of the newly formed islets has not taken place. In fact, this is a very interesting processing to be monitored," concluded the government official.
Given the favourable weather conditions in the end of the past week, the Corvo Island Natural Park also promoted an intense environmental activity that included the planting of endemic species.
This initiative, designated as "Um corvino, uma planta endémica" (One Corvo inhabitant, one endemic plant), was organised under the activities promoted of the Open Park to celebrate the World Day of Endemic Species. The event counted on the participation of the "Corpo Nacional de Escutas" (National Scouts) - Group 1181 from Corvo and locals.
A total of thirty people have planted hundreds of endemic plants in an activity that had the purpose of raising the awareness of the Corvo community for the use of endemic species rather than exotic ones.