![]() ![]() On-going geological and geomorphological processes, including recent volcanic eruptions, small seismic movements, and erosion provide key insights to the puzzle of the origin of the Galapagos Islands. The site demonstrates the evolution of the younger volcanic areas in the west and the older islands in the east. In comparison with most oceanic archipelagos, the Galapagos are very young with the largest and youngest islands, Isabela and Fernandina, with less than one million years of existence, and the oldest islands, Española and San Cristóbal, somewhere between three to five million years. Three major tectonic plates-Nazca, Cocos and Pacific- meet at the basis of the ocean, which is of significant geological interest. The diversity of underwater geomorphological forms is an added value to the site producing a unique display, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.Ĭriterion viii: The archipelago´s geology begins at the sea floor and emerges above sea level where biological processes continue. No other site in the world can offer the experience of diving with such a diversity of marine life forms that are so familiar with human beings, that they accompany divers. These processes, together with the extreme isolation of the islands, led to the development of unusual plant and animal life – such as marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, huge cacti, endemic trees and the many different subspecies of mockingbirds and finches – all of which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.Ĭriterion vii: The Galapagos Marine Reserve is an underwater wildlife spectacle with abundant life ranging from corals to sharks to penguins to marine mammals. Ongoing seismic and volcanic activity reflects the processes that formed the islands. Its geographical location at the confluence of three ocean currents makes it one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. This archipelago and its immense marine reserve is known as the unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. ![]() The Galapagos Islands area situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian coast. ![]()
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