Fajã

Fajã (Portuguese pronunciation: [fɐˈʒɐ̃], of unknown etymology) is a Portuguese term of obscure origin used to describe supratidal talus at the foot of coastal cliffs, caused by landslides or lava flows. Although relatively common world-wide, they are distinctive features of the Azores and Madeira, as well as of the Canary Islands, where the equivalent term in Canarian Spanish is fajana (Spanish pronunciation: [faˈxana]). The term also designates a small flat piece of land, generally cultivable and located by the sea, formed of materials fallen from cliffs. Another Canarian word for lava fajanas is isla baja, literally, "low island".