Islands vary in size and type. They can he formed by volcanoes erupting beneath the ocean, depositing lava that eventually builds up to the surface. Some volcanic islands form long chains, known as arcs. Islands in tropical areas may form when tiny marine organisms called coral build up in shallow water. Sometimes, the sea may rise to such an extent that it cuts off an area of land to form an island.
An island landform is land that is completely surrounded by water. It can be any type of land. The island can also be surrounded different types of water such as a sea, ocean, river and lake.
There are a lot of famous islands in the world. One of the most famous island landforms are the Hawaii islands. There are 100’s of islands in the State of Hawaii. They are all mostly gorgeous and tropical. Another famous island is the Galapagos Islands. It has many different types of species. It was made famous by the famous scientist and explorer Charles Darwin.
Islands are formed in a variety of ways. We will discuss three ways islands are formed. When you take a look at the islands of Hawaii, they were formed by volcanoes. Volcanoes would keep erupting causing land to start to form under water. This land would keep on rising up as the volcano erupted. Over thousands of years, the land would go above the water, thus creating land that is surrounded by water or another word, an island.
Islands can also be formed when continental plates collide. When they collide they push land up creating an underwater mountain that goes above land. This land, when surrounded by water, is called an island.
Another way an island landform can be made is through deposits of sand that came from erosion. When sand and other debris are picked up from a water current through erosion, it can be deposited in certain areas. Over time this land creates an island. The country of Qatar (which is an island itself) has made islands in many shapes to build communities on.
Picture Credit : Google
