Geology of the Galapagos Islands

Click on the picture to see Galapagos creatures

Bleak and blasted, a volcanic play pen

The geology of the Galapagos Islands is essentially that of rocky basalt islands formed from shield volcanoes which have risen up to 10,000 ft from the sea bed due to continental plate boundary movements. Also fissure eruptions of these volcanoes created other, flatter islands. Still very much apparent is the fact that the islands are one of the most volcanically active places on earth, a strange backdrop to the unique wildlife on show.

Volcano admiring geo-travellers will feel quite at home in this landscape which could be added to places like Hawaii and Iceland on the must see volcanic rocky experiences list.
See Galapagos wildlife, the Galapagos map or Galapagos cruises information.