Located on the Fernandina Island, La Cumbre is a shield volcano and the most active volcano in the Galapagos Islands. La Cumbre most recently erupted in 2009 and its lava destroyed unique flora and fauna of the area, such as reefs and animals such as birds and iguanas. The name “La Cumbre” means “the top” in Spanish, getting its name for its height and placement. The volcano has experienced several collapses of the caldera floor, often following explosive eruptions. Towering at a height of 4,842, feet La Cumbre continues to be active.
La Cumbre erupted on May 11, 2005 for the first time since 1995. Steam and ash erupted out of the volcano and rose 4.35 miles into the air. Lava also flowed out and reached the sea. The lava flowing to the sea caused damage to the wildlife both above and below water. The vent spewed out sulfur dioxide. …show more content…
On April 11, 2009 the volcano began releasing both lava flows and volcanic ash plumes in the atmosphere. The ash plumes extended 80 nautical miles southwest of the volcano. La Cumbre generated lava flows that subsided within hours. Fernandina has no human residents, and no buildings or settlements were destroyed in the eruption. Without a lot of boat traffic and tourists in the area when the volcano starts to erupt, the activity is not always reported right away.
The island of Fernandina (named in honor of King Ferdinand VII of Spain) occupies an area of 248 square miles in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. The summit caldera is about 4 miles wide. The caldera floor of the volcano dropped 1,148 feet in 1968, when the volcano collapsed into itself. In 1988, the crater formed from the collapse of the caldera then turned into a small lake in the northern