Question

volcanic eruption at kilauea, hawaii, thought to have been formed by a superplume. mantle plumes and hot spots are accepted by most geologists, but there is some dissent. there is some evidence that hot spots may move around, contrary to the long - held hypothesis that they remain stationary under moving plates. island endemics the formation of the hawaiian islands by a hot spot explains an unusual feature of the hawaiian islands. about a quarter of its shallow - water fish species and one - fifth of its shallow - water molluscs are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else. this is one of the highest rates of marine endemism anywhere, but even the oldest island, kauai, at only 5 million years old, is far too young for so many unique species to have evolved there. this shows that these species probably originated on much older islands in the chain, which is evidence that the hawaiian seamount was formed by a hot spot. think critically 1. what causes a hot spot? 2. list some features caused by superplumes. 3. why are there so many endemic species around hawaii?

Explanation:

1. Hot - spots are thought to be caused by mantle plumes, columns of hot, up - welling rock from deep within the Earth's mantle.
2. Superplumes can cause large - scale volcanic activity, the formation of large igneous provinces, and may influence plate tectonics and global climate.
3. There are many endemic species in Hawaii because the islands were formed by a hot - spot, which led to a long - term isolation. Species likely originated on older islands in the chain and evolved in isolation.

Answer:

1. Mantle plumes are thought to cause hot - spots.
2. Large - scale volcanic activity, formation of large igneous provinces.
3. The islands were formed by a hot - spot, leading to long - term isolation and evolution of species in isolation.