GENERAL GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Hawaiian Islands were formed by such a hot spot occurring in the middle of the Pacific Plate. While the hot spot itself is fixed, the plate is moving. So, as the plate moved over the hot spot, the string of islands that make up the Hawaiian Island chain were formed.

Detailed explanation-2: -This upwelling of molten rock, known as a “hot spot, ” creates volcanoes that spew out lava (magma that reaches Earth’s surface). The lava then cools and hardens to create new land. The Hawaiian Islands were literally created from lots of volcanoes-they’re a trail of volcanic eruptions.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Hawaiian Islands are a classic example. The active hot spot lies near the center of the Pacific plate, under the southeastern end of the Island chain. The rising magma plumes and subsequent eruptions have created the Island chain.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Hawaiian Islands formed primarily as a result of volcanic activity. While most islands form near tectonic plate boundaries, the Hawaiian Islands are nearly 2000 miles away from the nearest plate margin.

Detailed explanation-5: -(3) Transform Boundaries Tectonic Plates and Active Volcanoes of the World: Most active volcanoes are located along or near the boundaries of Earth’s shifting tectonic plates. Hawaiian volcanoes, however, occur in the middle of the Pacific Plate and are formed by volcanism over the Hawaiian “Hot Spot” (see text).