Fernandina Island
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| Fernandina | |
|---|---|
 Fernandina Island (centre) and Isabela Island |
|
| Elevation | 1,476 m (4,842 ft) |
| Location | Galápagos Islands, Ecuador |
| Coordinates | |
| Type | Shield volcano |
| Last eruption | May 13, 2005 |
Fernandina Island is the third largest, and youngest, island of the Galápagos Islands. The island is an active shield volcano that last erupted on Friday, May 13, 2005. The southern flank of the volcano had a fissure eruption that generated flows, which subsided within hours. Fernandina volcano has a height of 1,476 meters (4,842 feet) with a crater opening of about 6.5 kms wide. Due to its recent volcanic activity, the island does not present much plant life and it has a rather gray ambiance. Visitors to Fernandina Island will be taken to see only the outside skirts of this crater for security reasons.The name was given in honor of King Fernando of Spain, who sponsored the voyage of Christopher Columbus. Fernandina has an area of 642 km². This is the youngest and westernmost island of the archipelago. Punta Espinoza is a narrow stretch of land where hundreds of marine iguanas gather in large groups on black lava rocks. The famous Flightless Cormorant inhabits this island as well as penguins, pelicans and sea lions. Two types of lava flow can be observed, 'A'ā and Pāhoehoe. Mangrove forests also abound on the island.
[edit] References
- Special Report: Volcano Erupts on Fernandina Island. Charles Darwin Foundation
- Underwater Gallery at Punta Espinoza
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