... is only the beginning of an island chain. When a hot spot is active it will push magma up to the crust above, to create a volcanic peak if on land, or seamount if in water. The primary volcanoes on each of the Hawaiian islands are called shield volcanoes. They are described as gently slopping ... are a very useful tool in helping geologists to explain the movement of the pacific plate. The submergence of old volcanoes is another part to the cycle of island chains. As the islands move away from the hot spot the plate cools and contracts. In combination with the contracting of material, th...

• Word Count: 1673
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

... ). Mauna Kea is an inactive volcano and was known as the "white mountain" due to its snow capped peaks in the winter. From its summit under the water to its peak, it is 32,000 ft., making it the highest mountain in the world (gohawaii.com). Mauna Loa is an active volcano whose lava covers over half of Hawaii Island and ... even covers parts of Kilauea. Kilauea is the world's most active volcanic crater. The current eruption cycle, the longest running in modern Hawaiian history, began on January 3, 1983. The volcano spews an average 525,000 cu yd of lava a day and by 1995 had added about ...

• Word Count: 1392
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School