| Dom João de Castro Bank | |
|---|---|
| Summit depth | 14 m (46 ft) |
| Location | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Country | Azores |
| Geology | |
| Type | Submarine volcano |
| Last eruption | 1720 |
Dom João de Castro Bank (also known as Don João de Castro Bank) is a large submarine volcano in the Azores in the central Atlantic Ocean. The volcano lies midway between the islands of Terceira and São Miguel and rises to within 14 m (46 ft) of the sea surface. The volcano has a large fumarole field and remains seismically active.
It last erupted in December 1720, forming an island of 1.5 kilometres (1 mi) in length and about 250 m (800 ft) in altitude. It remained above sea level for only two years, before rapid erosion reduced its height.
Two parasitic craters, both about 90 x 45 m (300 x 150 ft) wide, are located on the northwest flank. The younger crater displays a floor consisting of a chilled lava lake with polygonal surface fractures, while the older, less distinct crater is obscured by tephra deposits.
Don João de Castro is an important fishing ground for both demersal fish, such as the black seabream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) and blackbelly rosefish, (Helicolenus dactylopterus), as well as pelagic tuna species (Thunnus and others).
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