Basaltic volcanism occurs at all the active volcanic systems of São Miguel. For the last 30 ka, the eruption of basaltic magma
has been particularly significant in the areas between the three polygenetic volcanoes – Sete Cidades, Fogo and Furnas – and two basaltic
fields have developed: the Picos Fissural Volcanic System (PFVS) and the Congro Fissural Volcanic System (CFVS). About 5 ka ago
volcanic activity at CFVS ended abruptly and since then almost all basaltic activity has been concentrated at the PFVS, where about 30
eruptions have taken place. Despite the absence of eruptive activity, the Congro system represents one of the most active seismic areas in
the archipelago. It shows episodes of volcanic deformation that are indicative of magma ascent, which halted beneath the volcanic
system. Two historical eruptions are associated with the PFVS. The 1563 eruption at Pico do Sapateiro was of basaltic composition,
whereas that of the 1652 eruption was, for almost two centuries, also considered to be basaltic. This event had, however, a Vulcanian
style and involved the production of large amounts of fine ash and the growth of three trachyte domes with associated coule´es. It was
accurately described in contemporary historical accounts.