Hotspots and hotspots in Hawaii

How was Hawaii formed?

By a stationary volcanic hotspot beneath the pacific plate

What process formed the island?

The tectonic plate moved slowly and magma from the hotspot erupted through the sea floor, this creates underwater volcanoes which grew to form islands

What evidence is there to show Hawaii is sitting on top of a hotspot?

The linear chain of volcanic islands and seamounts to the North-West

How does this show that Hawaii is sat on a hotspot?

As hotspots create a fixed point of volcanic activity and new volcanoes form at a hotspot

What is the main hazard of a hotspot in Hawaii?

Lava - can be fast moving

What is a hotspot?

A fixed area in the earth’s mantle where hot magma plumes rise and melt the crust to create volcanoes

Are hotspots near plate boundaries?

No

What is an example of a hotspot?

Shield volcanoes - they’re caused by a rising magma plume

What evidence is there to suggest hotspots?

Volcanic islands, island chains and age of rocks

How can you tell if an island is older?

It will be further away from the plume