How are islands formed?
There are many ways in which the islands are formed-
Volcanic islands are created as tectonic plates move over a lava flow and as the lava flows up and cools, gradually building on itself it creates islands that eventually break the surface of the ocean. The Hawaiian islands are a result of this process.
Continental drift is when continents break apart; a process that occurs over many hundreds of thousands or millions of years. This creates strings of islands between landmasses and along the edges of landmasses as many of them are left at their position.
Erosion also creates islands. The strip of land connecting the lower portion of a peninsula to a land mass can erode, and turn the peninsula into an island.
The buildup of sand and sediment create islands in some areas, including such as the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the barrier islands along the Georgia coast including St. Simon's Island.
Similarly, coral reefs continue to grow from the sea floor toward the surface of the water and sometimes peak above the surface, forming a new island. Coral islands are most common in warm areas such as the Caribbean Sea.
There are many ways in which the islands are formed-
Volcanic islands are created as tectonic plates move over a lava flow and as the lava flows up and cools, gradually building on itself it creates islands that eventually break the surface of the ocean. The Hawaiian islands are a result of this process.
Continental drift is when continents break apart; a process that occurs over many hundreds of thousands or millions of years. This creates strings of islands between landmasses and along the edges of landmasses as many of them are left at their position.
Erosion also creates islands. The strip of land connecting the lower portion of a peninsula to a land mass can erode, and turn the peninsula into an island.
The buildup of sand and sediment create islands in some areas, including such as the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the barrier islands along the Georgia coast including St. Simon's Island.
Similarly, coral reefs continue to grow from the sea floor toward the surface of the water and sometimes peak above the surface, forming a new island. Coral islands are most common in warm areas such as the Caribbean Sea.
