Click on image for larger annotated version
This image of the Galapagos Islands captures two large shield volcanoes on
Isla Isabella, the largest and least inhabited island in the Galapagos
chain. The northern volcano is Darwin and the southern, Alcedo. Isla
Fernandina and Isla San Salvador are just visible on either side of Isla
Isabella.
The western Galapagos Islands, which lie about 750 miles west of Ecuador
in the eastern Pacific, have six active volcanoes similar to the volcanoes
found in Hawaii. These are shield volcanoes shaped like flattened dome,
broad and low, built by flows of very fluid lava. These volcanoes reflect
the volcanic processes that occur when the ocean floor is created. The
islands are largely desolate lava piles with little vegetation along the
coastlines. However, the high volcanic mountains generate rains that have
mantled the summits with dense jungle. The islands are famous not only for
their volcanic associations but also for the peculiar flora and fauna that
result from isolation from any continental mainland.
Since the time of Charles Darwin's visit to the area in1835, there have
been over 60 recorded eruptions on these volcanoes. Unlike Hawaii, these
volcanoes are infrequently studied due to their inaccessibility and
delicate ecology. In addition, the rugged terrain and lack of water and
field support make these volcanoes difficult to map and study. A major
eruption on Fernandina Island in 1974 went unnoticed on the ground until
observed by astronauts aboard the Skylab 4.
Photojournal note:
EarthKam was formerly known as KidSat. To see images of KidSat, see
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/mission/KidSat .
