SPACEPHOTOS

Volcanic, mountainous La Palma, covering 280 square miles (725 square kilometers), dominates this east-looking, low-oblique photograph. The large caldera near the center of the island is the remains of the collapsed, extinct Roque de los Muchachos Volcano. Tourism and agriculture are the major industries; sugar cane is the main agricultural crop, but other crops include bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and tobacco. Irrigation is important, especially in the coastal and lowland regions where rainfall is minimal. Industrial development is limited on the island by the lack of water. Santa Cruz de la Palma, the chief city and port, is located on the eastern side of the island. Because of predominating eastern winds and ocean currents, an island wake is discernible on the western side of the island.