Lava

This photo shows a portion of the lava field on Santiago Island. The eruption in the 1840's (which was recorded in the log of a passing ship) added about 140 square kilometers to the island. Although the lava field appears sterile, certain small "pioneer" species of plants are beginning to take root. These will eventually break down the lava and decay into organic matter, allowing other plants, and eventually animals to populate the area. In the meantime, it is a harsh landscape where pieces of lava break off underfoot with a sound of pottery or glass breaking.