- Fogo Island, Cape Verde -
ASTER VNIR L1B

The Republic of Cape Verde is a country located at the west of the Verde Cape (Dakar) at the westernmost point of Africa, and comprised of a group of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Fogo Island is a volcano island located at the southwest of Cape Verde.

Cape Verde was discovered by a Portuguese sailor in the 15th century, and later colonized by the Portuguese. However, it won its independence in 1975.
Due to harsh natural environment and its remote location, the economic development is lagging behind and the country is largely dependent on international assistance. Japan is the second largest donor country after Portugal.

The image is that of Fogo Island formed by a Strombolian stratovolcano (Pico volcano). The caldera with a diameter of 8km is open on the east, and directs lava flows in the east slope flowing into the seacoast.
Since the 15th century, the Pico volcano has erupted ten times. Recently, volcanic activities have been observed from mid-April to early May in 1995, and have formed aa lava flow inside the caldera on the west edge. (This can be confirmed by adjusting the brightness of the image.).