Question

the hawaiian islands were formed over a \hot spot\ as shown in the diagram.
hawaiian islands over a hot spot
which island was formed first and what evidence from the diagram supports your choice for which island formed first?
option 1: hawaii, because of the depth of the hot spot, the size and shape of the island, and direction of plate movement.
option 2: kahoolawe, because of the distance from the hot spot, latitude and longitude of the island and hot spot, and the presence of an active volcano.
option 3: kauai, because of the distance from the hot spot, the direction of plate movement, and the latitude and longitude of the island and hot spot.

Explanation:

To determine which island formed first, we analyze the hot - spot and plate - motion concept. A hot spot is a stationary source of magma, and as the tectonic plate moves over it, islands are formed over time. The older islands are farther from the hot spot because the plate has moved, carrying the older - formed islands away from the magma source.

• For Kure: It is the farthest from the hot spot (where Hawaii is currently over the hot spot). The direction of plate motion (shown in the diagram) is such that the plate moves away from the hot spot. Also, considering the latitude and longitude, Kure is at a position that is consistent with being formed earlier as the plate moved over the hot spot and then carried Kure to its current location. The other options:
• Hawaii is over the hot spot, so it is the youngest, not the oldest.
• Kahoolawe: The evidence about it (presence of an active volcano is incorrect as the active volcano is at Hawaii; also, its distance from the hot spot is not as great as Kure's to suggest it is the oldest).

Answer:

Kure, because of the distance from the hot spot, the direction of plate movement, and the latitude and longitude of the island and hot spot.