Drive-in Volcano on St. Lucia
November 15, 2006
St. Lucia is a 616 square kilometer (239 sq. miles) large island of volcanic origin in the Western Indies. In contrast to other Caribbean islands such as Martinique and Montserrat, active volcanic manifestations on St. Lucia are limited to a geothermal field close to the western coast dubbed "The world’s only drive-in volcano." Here boiling springs and mudpots constitute a remnant of former volcanic activity that's in stark contrast to the surrounding densely forested area. A strong sulphurous smell can even be perceived when flying over the area.
Picture taken from a helicopter at an altitude of about 1,000 m (3,281 ft); the inset shows a close-up of boiling fumaroles.