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Volcan Sierra Negra,
Isla Isabela, Octubre 22, 05
Por favor revise un video
y fotos tomadas por nuestros guias y fotografo a
bordo del Galapagos Explorer II |
GALAPAGOS - A DISPLAY OF EVOLUTION
The Galapagos Archipelago consists of thirteen large
islands (greater than 10 km2), six smaller islands,
and over forty islets that have official names. The
Archipelago is well isolated from other land masses
(South America, 960 km, Cocos Island 720 km, Central
America 1,100 km). The total land area is 7,882 square
kilometers within a marine reserve of 45,000 square
kilometers.
CONSERVATION OF THE ISLANDS
Please, don't take anything from the islands, but photographs and leave only your footprint.
The history of man's detrimental effects on the islands extends back to the 1600s once settlers came to the islands they brought with them a range of domestic animals, some of which went wild and Started feral populations. Today two organizations work together for islands conservation:
The Galapagos National Park (6NP)
and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
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ESPANOLA ISLAND
The island is relatively flan and some geologist describe the island as the remains of an eroded archaic volcano. The vegetation corresponds to arid transition zones with the most spectacular sites and interesting wildlife. |
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FERNANDINA
ISLAND
The colossal
shield of Fernandina Volcano reaches 1.494
m and is still very active. Its vegetation,
typical of the arid zone, is concentrated in “kipukas” (small areas
left untouched by recent lava). It also provides a broad variety
of wildlife and volcanic features. . |
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FLOREANA
ISLAND
An island with a gentle landscape dominated
by parasitic cones. If a volcano ever existed,it has eroded, long ago. It was the first inhabited island of the Archipelago
where flamingos can be found.. |
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ISABELA
ISLAND
This island was formed by five independent
volcanoes that came together to form the largest
of the islands and has the highest elevation
as well. The northwest coast of the island
is a sanctuary for whales; along with moderate
hikes to Darwin Lake make this visit worthwhile.
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SAN
CRISTOBAL ISLAND
The southwestern half of this island is inhabited
and is formed by an extinct volcano. The other
half of the island, the northeastern part,
contrast dramatically, with flat, dry and
harsh environments. The San Cristobal Interpretation
Center was donated by Spanish government in
1998. |
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SANTA
CRUZ ISLAND
The second largest of the Archipelago and
colonized since the 1920’s, Puerto Ayora,
the populated part of the island, is the most
important harbor of the Archipelago. The headquarters
of the Galapagos national Park and the Charles
Darwin Station are located on Santa Cruz.
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SANTA
FE ISLAND
This island
is the result of an uplifting that raised
the sea floor 259 meters above the sea level.
The vegetation of the island is characterized
by the presence of the largest species of
the giant opuntia cactus.
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SANTIAGO
ISLAND
It is the fourth
largest island and has main volcano rises.
All vegetation zones, from costal to humid
are present. Santiago is one of the best islands
to see fur seals and hawks.
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