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Galapagos Volcanic Eruptions Volcanoes are the main characters in charge of shaping and giving life to the Galapagos Islands.Volcanic activity and eruptions are the major agents of geological change in the Galapagos. The young geological history of Galapagos is still in its evolving stage: with less than five million years old, it is an infant in geological time! The fluid rock (magma) rises to the surface in the form of lava to build up a volcano. Meanwhile, the Nazca plate upon which the crust of the Earth rests, does move dragging itself over the hot spot causing a string of volcanoes as it moves from west to east. Shield volcanoes like the ones in the Galapagos Islands are large and formed by successive basaltic lavas that outline a low slope. Due to their shape, volcanic eruptions tend to be mild and less explosive, with very lava, low in viscosity that in many cases, flows down to the coast and on to the sea. Lava may flow at a temperature of 1.200 °C (2.200 °F) and when it cools down and solidifies, its surface takes interesting and artistically beautiful shapes. Galapagos explorers enjoy these shapes of wrinkled, wavy and rugged lava flows on Santiago Island and Fernandina Island Fernandina has had a few volcanic eruptions in the last 15 years. The strongest one was in 1995 and lasted almost three months, the next one, in 2005 was moderate and shorter. The latest volcanic activity started on Saturday April 11th 2009. Most of the volcanic eruptions start on the flanks of the caldera finding their way down straight to the coast. These Galapagos eruptions will doubtless have an effect on the local flora and fauna. The area is still considered a colonization zone, where hardy "pioneer" species struggle to survive. The caldera of "La Cumbre" has an area of 6,5 km across. From fissures located near the caldera, arms of Lava Rivers flow uniformly to the sea. Being a young and volcanic Island, the slopes are all covered with lava flows and few plants have successfully established. Most of the flora and fauna occupy coastal and rocky niches. Metropolitan Touring's three first-class expedition ships, the M/N Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabella II and Yacht la Pinta have just had the opportunity to get close and enjoy this magical volcanic eruptions. Waking up early and observing the sunrise with a display of lights and action, in front of Galapagos volcanoes will be one of the best experiences of your life. Where else on Earth is it possible to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate on deck while cruising the shores of an active volcano and seeing the bright red lava flows meeting the ocean in a crash of steam? The expedition team and guests on board Yacht la Pinta enjoyed a panoramic view of this fantastic volcanic event from the main lounge and library. Photographing volcanic eruptions in Galapagos, being right there in front of the action itself, is magnificent, its like a dream come true. The roaring eruption of La Cumbre volcano will surely decrease populations of some species, and that's exactly the way evolutionary processes work in the Galapagos' natural laboratory of evolution. Volcanic eruptions create new land, new habitats and new opportunities for life. Thus, natural selection plays a key role in the evolution of species, and iguanas, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, cormorants and more are ready to face the challenge. Witnessing volcanic eruptions in Galapagos can be labeled as a mighty fine luxury. Galapagos Recommended Reading:Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World This book is one of the most appealing and true representations of the famous Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. You will see Extraordinary photos coupled with authentic facts about this Archipelago. (It's a well written informative guide) Wildlife of the Galapagos (Traveller's Guide)  Custom Search
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