Geography
The
most accepted
theory on
the formation
of the Galapagos
Islands is
that the archipelago
was created
as a result
of a series
of volcanic
eruptions.
The Islands
are in reality
no more than
volcanic craters
which extend
up to altitudes
of 1.5km.
The Galapagos
were probably
formed around
5 million
years ago.
Many volcanic
cones litter
the Islands,
the highest
being Cerro
Azul on Isla
Isabel.
Some volcanoes
house craters
extending
from 4 to
9 km in diameter
and depths
of up to 1000
metres.
The Galapagos
are one of
the earth's
twenty 'hotspots'
where the
planet's igneous
activity takes
place and
volcanic activity
is constant.
The
Weather Currents
Close
to the Galapagos
Islands there
are two important
weather currents:
Humboldt,
which is cold
and originates
in southern
Chile, and
El Nino which
is warm.
These currents
determine
the Islands'
climate, which
one would
expect to
be hot and
humid due
to the Islands'
location on
the equator,
however, that
is not the
case.
The phenomenon
of El Nino
constitutes
great quantities
of warm waters
with low salt
levels in
the north
western continental
coast which
produces torrential
rains and
floods along
the coast
and causes
rivers to
burst their
banks.
This phenomemon
usually manifests
itself during
the last 15
days of December.
In 1982 and
1983, El Nino
caused caused
much damage
and destruction
along the
Ecuadorian
coast, especially
in the province
of Manabi.
Terrain
The
Islands' terrain
has developed
from basalt
derived from
lava, ash
and pumice.
The weakness
and fragility
of the land's
unprotected
surface is
perfect for
filtration
of waters
to its sub-terrains.
The land is
suitable for
agricultural
purposes from
an altitude
of 150 metres.
Demography
The
density of
the population
is similar
to that of
other provinces
if the area
designated
as part of
the national
park where
settling is
prohibited
is not taken
into account.
The archipelago
has a high
population
growth rate
on the Islands
of San Cristobal
and Santa
Cruz.
The majority
of inhabitants
are between
the ages of
10 and 30
years.
The population
is concentrated
in the ports,
which is mainly
a result of
an increase
in tourism
and job opportunities
with the service
sector.
The agricultural
sector has
declined as
a result.
Puerto
Ayora, located
on Santa Cruz,
is the 'economic
capital' of
the Islands.
Climate
Extremely
dry climates
dominate the
subtropical
terrains with
temperatures
ranging between
18 and 22
degrees centigrade.
Last
Updated 14th
September
2006 (DLW)
