Volcano Erupts On Galapagos Islands

No Threat Seen To Visitors Or Wildlife

(AP)  A volcano on the largest of the Galapagos Islands has begun erupting and authorities are evaluating possible dangers to the island's famed plant and animal life, officials said Friday.

Rangers and tour guides spotted lava flowing down the northeastern flank of the Cerro Azul volcano on the seahorse-shaped island of Isabela late Thursday, the Galapagos National Park said in a statement.

Ecuador's Geophysics Institute said that satellite data and a flyover of the island by park officials showed a "small amount of ash" coming out of the volcano, located on the southwestern edge of the island.

Park official Oscar Carvajal told Radio Quito that as many as four lava flows "have consumed a lot of vegetation," but do not pose a threat to the famed Galapagos tortoises.

Neither was the eruption endangering people on the island, park official Vinicio Pauta said.

The 5,600-foot Cerro Azul - one of five active volcanoes on the island - last erupted in September 1998, causing minor damage to plant life. Cerro Azul is located in the unpopulated southwestern corner of the island.

The Galapagos Islands, 625 miles off of Ecuador's Pacific coast, are known for unique plant and animal life, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas and seabirds known as blue-footed boobies. Charles Darwin's observations of the islands' finches helped inspire his theory of evolution.

[downsteamjim]

We need to drop Al Gore into the volcano to stop it from emitting greenhouse gases. Or maybe the U.N. could pass a resolution to make it stop.

[mljohns00]

It''d be pretty funny if, after millions of years, these evolutionary holdovers all get killed by a volcano. Maybe Mother Nature trying to make up for her mistake.

[rf35]

Why are they worried? The volcano is natural selection at work. The animals and people who don''t get out of the way are eliminate from the gene pool.

[jordanrd]

This is NOT a case of "eliminate the gene pool" or "Nature tying to make up for her mistake." These volcanos are part of the rift and hydrothermal vents contributing to the unique adaptations of life. Mother Nature continues to create!
Rather than slamming the UN, try thanking the volunteers working to allow Mother Nature to work her wonders. For example, the recycling guys on Santa Cruz!