Isabela's Wolf Volcano Erupts for the First Time in 33 Years

The eruption of Wolf Volcano yesterday on Isabela Islands after 33 years of inactivity is a potent reminder that the Galapagos Islands are one of the most volcanically active places on earth.

The Galapagos National Park service released dramatic photos of the event showing plumes of smoke and debris rising to over six miles overhead and fields of lava flowing towards the sea. 

The volcano, which is the highest point in the islands at 5,600 feet above sea level, is about 70 miles from the nearest town and poses no threat to humans for now. The eruption is not expected to affect tourism, though the ministry of environment is urging tour operators to exercise caution when operating in the area.

The northwestern flank of the volcano is home to the world's only population of pink land iguanas as well as a distinct subspecies of Galapagos giant tortoise. So far, according to park officials, the lava is flowing in a south easterly direction and the iguanas and tortoises appear to be out of harm's way. Still, there is some concern that eruptions could have dire consequences for the volcano's endangered pink iguanas, which were only identified as a distinct species in 2009.