About Genovesa
Genovesa is a shield rising to 64 meters (210 feet) in Ecuador's Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Genovesa is located in Ecuador, within the Northern Galapagos Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 0.32° N, 89.96° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At just 64 meters above sea level, Genovesa is a relatively low-elevation volcanic feature. Despite its modest height, it remains an active geological formation with the same underlying magmatic processes as its taller counterparts. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Genovesa is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Genovesa in Ecuador generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The small, very low island of Genovesa is the top of a shield volcano. The surface of a summit crater lake is near sea level. A larger, 2-km-wide excentric caldera on the S side forms an embayment that is filled by Darwin Bay. Sediment filling Arctulus Lake, a crater in the center of the island, is less than 6000 years old. Youthful flows erupted from flank fissures cover much of the island and very fresh, glassy spatter has been found (Simkin 1976, pers. comm.). No historical eruptions are known, although the fresh-looking lava flows suggest a very youthful age. Basaltic rocks on the island are noted for their abundant coarse plagioclases.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Genovesa.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Genovesa
Is Genovesa an active volcano?+
Genovesa is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Genovesa?+
Genovesa has a summit elevation of 64 meters (210 feet) above sea level. At 64 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Genovesa?+
Genovesa is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Genovesa located?+
Genovesa is located in Ecuador, in the Eastern Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Galapagos Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 0.320° latitude, -89.958° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Genovesa?+
Genovesa can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Ecuador may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
