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Volcanism in the Galapagos Islands Basaltic Eruptions  | | Basaltic eruptions are characteristic of lava fountain's and rivers decending down the nearly flat volcano flanks. Picture source: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Products/Pglossary/effusive.html |
The Galapagos volcanoes are shield volcanoes, characterized by their basaltic eruptions. Their eruptions tend to be mildly peaceful because they get their fluid from basaltic magma derived from the mantle. These mild eruptions can be described as lava fountains that are high arching sprays caused by escaping gas that can reach heights of 400 meters. The sound of lava flowing down the sides of the mountain is unmistakable and has been described as crackling. A shield volcano typically has a slope of less then five degrees and is formed over time from thousands of flat, fluid-like eruptions.
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