The highest volcano in the Galapagos Islands erupted in May for the first time in 33 years. Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island sent smoke and ash about 15 kilometres into the sky, while lava flowed down its southern and eastern slopes into the sea. The lava appeared to subside in early June.
The above image of Wolf was taken in June by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) on the Terra satellite. It is a false colour image with vegetated areas appearing as red and lava generally showing as charcoal or black.
Wolf rises 1,710 metres above sea level. The volcano’s seven-kilometre caldera is nearly 700 metres deep.
Originally published by Cosmos as Wolf volcano erupts in the Galapagos
Katherine Kizilos
Katherine Kizilos is a staff writer at Cosmos.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
