Which describes how the islands of Hawaii were formed?(1 point)
Responses
Older and bigger islands collides after volcanic eruptions which creates new islands.
Older and bigger islands collides after volcanic eruptions which creates new islands.
The Pacific plates move and later join together to form the islands.
The Pacific plates move and later join together to form the islands.
The hotspot switch places which intensifies movement of plates.
The hotspot switch places which intensifies movement of plates.
The islands sit on hotspots that form volcanoes which then break the ocean surface.
The islands sit on hotspots that form volcanoes which then break the ocean surface.
The islands of Hawaii were formed because the islands sit on hotspots that form volcanoes which then break the ocean surface.
To determine which option describes how the islands of Hawaii were formed, we can analyze the given responses. Let's go through each option:
1. "Older and bigger islands collide after volcanic eruptions which creates new islands."
This option suggests that older and larger islands collide after volcanic eruptions, resulting in the formation of new islands. However, this is not an accurate explanation of how the islands of Hawaii were formed. This response is repeated.
2. "The Pacific plates move and later join together to form the islands."
This option states that the Pacific plates move and eventually come together, forming the islands of Hawaii. This explanation aligns with the scientific understanding of plate tectonics. When the Pacific plate moves over a hotspot, it leads to the formation of volcanic islands like those found in Hawaii.
3. "The hotspot switches places which intensifies movement of plates."
This option suggests that the hotspot switches locations, which causes an intensification of plate movement. While hotspot activity can influence plate movement and volcanic activity, the statement about a hotspot switching places is not accurate. Hotspots are fixed, and the tectonic plates move over them.
4. "The islands sit on hotspots that form volcanoes which then break the ocean surface."
This option accurately explains how the islands of Hawaii were formed. Hotspots, which are fixed plumes of volcanic activity, exist beneath the Pacific plate. As the plate moves over a hotspot, it creates a chain of volcanic islands. Over time, these volcanoes break through the ocean's surface, forming the islands we see today.
Based on the explanations above, the correct option is:
- "The islands sit on hotspots that form volcanoes which then break the ocean surface."