Gruta das Agulhas – Terceira Island
The Gruta das Agulhas is a lava tube located in the parish of Porto Judeu, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island.
The cave is situated on the southern coastal zone of the island, with its entrance located on the cliff. It is one of the main attractions of Porto Judeu.
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History
The Gruta das Agulhas was discovered in 1967 by the speleological group “Os Montanheiros”. Its name derives from the large quantity of needle-shaped sedimentary formations found on the ceilings and walls of the cave, measuring between 0.2 cm and 0.5 cm in length.
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The lava tube formed due to the cooling of lava upon contact with air and surrounding formations, creating a hardened crust. When the eruption ended, caves or lava tubes formed. Over time, various plants began to thrive in the area, particularly at the cave’s entrance, leading to the colonization of various animal species inside.
Since its discovery, the Gruta das Agulhas has been studied, mainly due to its diverse cave-dwelling fauna. The responsibility for the cave lies with “Os Montanheiros,” who illuminated the area and installed a more suitable door at the cave’s entrance; however, with the force of the sea, everything was destroyed, and it currently remains open without tourist exploration.
Characteristics
The geological formation of the cave resulted from the eruption of the Algar do Carvão volcano, where its lava flowed into the sea, reaching the coast from the parish of Feteira to Porto Judeu, forming a coastal area of enormous black rocks.
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These lavas gave rise to various bays, cliffs, and lava flow tubes, which formed grand galleries, many of which extend for several kilometers.
The Gruta das Agulhas features several branches, with the main gallery extending approximately 250 meters. The maximum height found is 5.4 meters, and the maximum width is 4.5 meters.
Inside the cave, various geological structures can be observed, such as stalactites, different types of lava, and lateral balconies. The small needles found on the walls and ceilings are so tiny that they can sometimes be nearly imperceptible.
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The Gruta das Agulhas is a place full of mysteries. Within the cave, there are many interesting elements that awaken visitors’ curiosity. The mystery of its interior and the beauty of a nature created thousands of years ago continue to attract tourists to the region.
