Volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean
- Galapagos Islands -
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The Galapagos Islands are volcanic islands situated in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean and lie directly on the equator. The islands constitute a province of the Republic of Ecuador. The Galapagos is comprised of 15 large islands and countless other smaller islands.

This image covers the western end of the Galapagos Islands, and shows the largest island, Isabela Island, and the newest island, Fernandina Island. San Cristobal Island where the capital is located is at 150km to the east side in the image.

The Galapagos Islands are the archipelago of islands of volcanic origin, and calderas are formed at the summit of volcanoes. The shape of the shield volcanoes, and evidence of basaltic lava flows rushing down to surrounding area can clearly be seen in the image.

The Galapagos Islands were formed from hot spot similar to the way the Hawaiian Islands were once formed. The Galapagos Islands are located at the western edge of the Nazca plate, drifting east-southeast, and these volcanic islands were formed by lava flows from the hot spot at this location. The islands on the east side are older, while islands toward the west are younger islands.

Rare species of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth inhabit the Galapagos Islands. They are believed to have had a great influence on the idea of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.