Hello all!
This is your friendly neighborhood geologist here. To answer Bill's 2 questions-
First-
caldera is a correct term for the lower, larger crater. Calderas can be
as large as Yellowstone NP or as small as Santorini, Greece.
Second-
geologically "in the long term" is a vague term. It depends on who is
using it and in what context. I know a bit about Teide so I have some
context in this instance. "In the long term" means anytime in the next
1,000 or so years. There is a crack that divides the island into 2
sections. The northern 1/3 of the island is on one side of the crack.
That 1/3 has moved a bit down slope. As water enters the crack the
crack both expands and becomes more likely to expand. If the surface of
the crack slips and the 1/3 of the island slides off into the deep
ocean, a tsunami may result. This is really the only tsunami risk we
know of in the Atlantic. If an earthquake hits this area tomorrow, it
could happen tomorrow. If the process is left up to water in the crack,
it could 1,000 or so years.
Thanks for the wonderful travel update!
Will
"With a little Love and Luck you will get by." Jimmy Buffett
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