The Galapagos Islands are particularly special because Lewis the Lion learnt that they were volcanic islands which had been evolving over millions of years. Evidence of this was apparent when Lewis the Lion and his travel companions were taken underground into a cave or so he thought…
However, this was a cave with a difference as it had been formed when hot, molten lava (liquid rock) had streamed through it during a volcanic eruption and had gorged a hole out of the rock! The space that it had left behind was enormous in width, height and length.
Lewis the Lion marvelled at how powerful the force of the lava flow must have been in order to have furrowed out such a huge space.
Furthermore, the rocks seemed to have been striped in the process.
Although he can’t remember why? Maybe you can find out and help him know why?
Luckily down the lava tube there were some lights which was just as well as the ground was slippery, wet and uneven. Their tour guide told the tourists that as water seeped through the rock, the rock was weakened and sometimes there was rock fall. Lewis the Lion felt like he’d seen enough for one day and wanted to get out of this dark, lava cave before anything fell on his head!
Out into the fading light of day, Lewis the Lion was delighted to be reminded that he truly was on the Galapagos Islands while they waited on the jetty to return to the cruise ship.
He posed beside a giant statue of a seagull but over the next few days he wondered if he would get to see one of the Islands’ most-loved birds: the bird with the blue feet – the blue-footed boobie? Look out for Lewis the Lion’s next blogs to find out…
He also watched in amazement at the vast numbers of reddish crabs that were scrambling across the volcanic, black rock. He wondered why they weren’t better camouflaged against the rock?
Why do you think they are this colour?
As he pondered these thoughts, he saw a dramatic sunset: perhaps one of his best ones yet as he loved seeing the palm trees in silhouette against the landscape.
As the tourists headed back to the Achipell II, Lewis the Lion wanted to pinch himself. He still couldn’t believe that he was really in the Galapagos Islands. It seemed like a dream come true! And the next few days would prove to be even more exciting yet. Look out for Lewis the Lion’s next blogs which are coming shortly.
Lewis the Lion understands that the volcanic nature of the Galapagos Islands plays an enormous part in why they are the unique haven that they are for so many varieties of wildlife.
Help Lewis the Lion to understand how a volcano is formed. You can see some explanations here. And there are some diagrams here.