Pereira, F., Nunes, J.C., Borges, P.A.V., Costa, M.P., Constância, J.P., Barcelos, P.J.M., Braga, T., Gabriel, R., Amorim, I.R., Lima, E.A., Garcia, P. & Medeiros, S. (2015) Catálogo das cavidades vulcânicas dos Açores (Algares vulcânicos e grutas lávicas, e de erosão marinha)/Catalogue of the Azorean volcanic caves (Volcanic pits, lava tube and sea-erosion caves). Os Montanheiros/GESPEA, Angra do Heroísmo.
This is the first catalogue of caves of Azores comprisingvolcanic pits lava-tube caves, and sea-erosion caves. This book is the result of several years of research in the fields of Vulcanospeleology and Biospeleology, performed by local associations, including Os Montanheiros, Amigos dos Açores and Círculo de Amigos da Ilha do Pico and also by the University of the Azores, in particular researchers from Dep. of Agrarian Sciences and Azorean Biodiversity Group in Terceira Island and Dep. of Geosciences in São Miguel island. This work would not be possible without the valuable contribution of “GESPEA – Working Group on Volcanic Caves of Azores” members, that produced and keep updated the database “Azorean Speleological Heritage Inventory and Classifying System (IPEA)”. The aim of such database is to compile all available information, published and unpublished, on the Azores volcanic caves.
Nowadays, 272 volcanic caves are known in the Azores, dispersed by all the islands, but Corvo. This Catalogue comprises information for each cave, such as name, location (e.g. island and municipality), length/depth and main bibliographic references. For 132 caves a topographic map or croquis is provided, accompanied by a general description on its main geological and biological features. The Catalogue also includes comprehensive lists of the fauna (Arthropoda) and flora (Bryophyta, Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta) known for each volcanic cave.
The volcanic caves of the Azores are an important natural heritage, with a high geological, biological and aesthetic value, that must be protected, known and promoted. The main goal of this Catalogue is therefore to present a comprehensive compilation of diverse information on the Azorean Speleological Heritage and to ensure that the bio-vulcanospeleological knowledge, gathered during the last decades, is available to researchers, students, teachers and, in general, to those who wish to learn more about the Azorean volcanic caves.
Fernando Pereira Island Biodiversity, Biogeography & Conservation - IBBC
Isabel R. Amorim Island Environmental Risks & Society - IERS
Paulo A. V. Borges Island Arthropod Macroecology
Rosalina Maria de Almeida Gabriel Island Bryophytes
