The Azores, an archipelago of volcanic islands belonging to Portugal, are located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They lie about 1,500 kilometers west of mainland Portugal and are composed of nine main islands along with several smaller ones. The Azores are situated at the junction of the Eurasian, North American, and African tectonic plates. Because of this tectonic boundary, the islands were formed over millions of years through submarine volcanic activity. Most of the islands were formed after the Mesozoic era. The Azores feature caldera lakes, which were created when lava basins collapsed and filled with water. A representative example is the Sete Cidades crater lake on São Miguel Island. Located along tectonic boundaries, the Azores experience active geothermal activity, which has led to the development of hot springs now used as tourist attractions. The islands’ bedrock is primarily basalt, and many sea caves have formed where basaltic lava rapidly flowed down steep slopes and reached the coast.
I’m curious about the appearance of caldera lakes in the Azores. Could you show me a photo of a caldera lake?"
These days, Korea is experiencing weather that clearly feels like spring. Most regions across the country are sunny, while some areas are partly cloudy or overcast. Overall, the weather remains mild, but with low morning temperatures, there is a significant difference between day and night temperatures. In certain areas, fine dust levels are at an "unhealthy" level, so it's advisable to wear a mask when going outside. In Yeongjongdo, since it's an island surrounded by the sea, strong winds often blow, making it feel colder than the actual temperature. While cherry blossoms have already bloomed in Seoul and the southern regions, they have yet to bloom in Yeongjongdo due to the relatively lower temperatures unique to the island.Seasonal fine dust pollution in Korea has been worsening year by year. Compared to the past, when coal and briquettes were commonly used, the shift to gas has led to a decrease in domestically produced fine dust. However, as neighboring China has rapidly developed, the influx of fine dust from China has increased significantly. In addition, with more people owning vehicles than in the past, the amount of fine dust emitted by cars has also risen. I believe this issue should be addressed by strengthening environmental regulations. Policies such as the Special Measures for Air Quality Improvement in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and the vehicle rotation system for public institutions should be strictly enforced to reduce the level of fine dust.Portugal is a country that actively promotes eco-friendly policies based on the European Union's environmental standards. The country has a very high usage rate of renewable energy, with more than half of its electricity generated from hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Under the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Portugal is pushing forward with policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build electric vehicle infrastructure. It has also implemented regulations on single-use plastics and is pursuing a circular economy strategy to reduce waste. As a maritime nation, Portugal is committed to protecting the marine environment, actively engaging in marine ecosystem preservation and coastal cleanup efforts. In urban development, the country takes an environmentally friendly approach by improving public transportation and expanding green spaces to create sustainable cities. In this way, Portugal is implementing exemplary policies that pursue both environmental protection and sustainability.
Where are the geographical areas suitable for developing renewable energy sources?
What effects are currently being observed as a result of these policies?
