Which describes how the islands of Hawaii were formed? (1 point)
The islands of Hawaii were formed through volcanic activity.
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The islands of Hawaii were formed through a process called hotspot volcanism. As the Pacific tectonic plate moved slowly over a stationary hotspot in the Earth's mantle, magma from the hotspot rose to the surface and erupted, creating a chain of volcanic islands. Over millions of years, the movement of the plate caused the creation of multiple islands, with the oldest islands located towards the northwest and the youngest towards the southeast, including the Big Island of Hawaii, which is still an active volcano.
The islands of Hawaii were formed through volcanic activity. This process involved several steps:
1. Formation of a Hotspot: Hawaii is located over a hotspot, which is an area in the Earth's mantle where hot molten rock, or magma, rises to the surface. This hotspot has remained stationary while the Pacific Plate, on which the islands sit, has moved slowly over it.
2. Build-up of Shield Volcanoes: As the Pacific Plate moves over the hotspot, magma rises to the surface and erupts, forming shield volcanoes. These volcanoes are characterized by their broad, gently sloping profiles. Over millions of years, repeated eruptions built up the height and size of these shield volcanoes.
3. Erosion and Subsidence: As the volcanoes grow, they are subject to erosion by wind, water, and other natural forces. Additionally, the weight of the volcanoes causes the oceanic crust to sink, a process known as subsidence. This combination of erosion and subsidence causes the volcanoes to gradually flatten and erode over time.
4. New Island Formation: While the older volcanoes are eroding, new volcanoes continue to form to the southeast of the existing islands. This is because the hotspot is constantly supplying new magma to the surface. As a result, the Hawaiian Islands are arranged in a chain, with the youngest and most active island, Hawaii (the Big Island), at the southeastern end, and the older, more eroded islands toward the northwest.
5. Ongoing Volcanic Activity: The volcanic activity in Hawaii is ongoing, with eruptions and lava flows periodically occurring on the Big Island. This continuous volcanic activity contributes to the growth and evolution of the islands.
In summary, the islands of Hawaii were formed through a combination of volcanic eruptions, erosion, subsidence, and ongoing volcanic activity.