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Galapagos is located on the Nazca tectonic plate. This perpetually moving plate is heading eastward over the Galapagos hot spot and has formed the chain of islands. The islands were formed through the layering and lifting of repeated volcanic action. This geographic movement is correlated to the age of the islands, as the eastern islands (San Cristóbal and Española) are millions of years older than the western islands (Isabela and Fernandina).
Most of the islands have a distinctive conical shape that is often associated with volcanic action. The mountainous islands have been formed through continuing eruption, building layer upon layer. Due to this volcanic formation, the islands are characterized by many steep slopes, with heights ranging from a few meters above sea level to more than 5000 feet above sea level.
Each major island, with the exception of the largest island, Isabela, consists of a single large volcano. Isabela was formed when six volcanoes joined above sea level. Geologically, the Galapagos Islands are quite young, probably no more than five million years old. Some of the westernmost islands, which are the most volcanically active, may only be hundreds of thousands of years old and are still being formed today.
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Latest News
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Galapagos Shipping Procedures for Fishing Activities Improved
03.30.18 March 30, 2018 Following the discovery of an illegal shipment of 3,600 sea... More >
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163 Tortoises Repatriated to Cinco Cerros, Isabela Island
01.29.18 January 26, 2018 Park rangers from the Galapagos National Park Directorate... More >
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Continued recovery of Pinzón Island: The result of the eradication of black rats in 2012
01.05.18 January 5, 2018 The restoration of Pinz n Island continues following the successful... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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Sharing the Riches of the Charles Darwin Foundation´s Library with the World
By guest author Patricia Lehar, Head Librarian at the Charles Darwin Foundation.... More >
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Floreana: A Paradise Waiting to be Restored
Island Conservation s Restoration Specialist and Wildlife Veterinarian Paula... More >
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Protecting Galapagos from Invasive Ants: My work with the ABG
By Erika Guerrero of the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency. I am a young professional... More >
