Candidatura Reserva da Biosfera - Santana Madeira Biosfera

defined between the high tide and 100 meters bathymetric line, including the islets of
Ilhéu da Viúva and Ilhéu de São Jorge.
Predominant winds blow from the northern quadrant, which have a direct action
on the persistence of humid air masses, also determining the frequency and energy of
the wave that is felt on the north coast of the island. The sea is frequently rough and
wave direction is commonly from the northeast quadrant followed by north.
Consequently, the Ilhéu da Viúva islet adjacent coast is abrupt, high and continuous. The
retreat of the coastline composes projections, related to increased resistance of basaltic
rocks, when isolated by the sea, form islets. The Ilhéu da Viúva islet has a maximum
altitude of 94 meters and a flattened area of approximately 1.4 hectares and is located
very near the coast, being only isolated with high tide seas.
Figure 51. Ilhéu da Viúva
The Reserve’s seafloor is basaltic, where abundant algae grow, typically species of
high hydrodynamic waters.
The site encompasses a wide diversity of natural habitats, especially the
vegetated sea cliffs with endemic flora of the Macaronesian coasts (1250), lower
formations of Euphorbia close to cliffs (5320) and submerged or partially submerged sea
caves (8330).
Application of Santana, Madeira to Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO - MAB 93