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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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GNPD technical team analyzes the status of smuggled tortoises found in Peru
05.23.17 May 23, 2017 Galapagos National Park ranger Freddy Villalva, head of the Fausto... More >
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GC receives 4-star Charity Navigator rating for 3rd consecutive year
05.01.17 May 1, 2017 Galapagos Conservancy has earned a 4-star rating for the third... More >
Latest Blog Posts
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Three Months in Galapagos: A Journey of Hope
By guest author Dr. Maud Quinzin, evolutionary biologist currently working... More >
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Home Again: The Long Journey of Lonesome George
By guest author and GC Adjunct Scientist Dr. James Gibbs of the State University... More >
