Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0134074254
ISBN 13: 978-0-13407-425-2

Chapter 2 - Section 2.9 - Testing the Plate Tectonics Model - Concept Checks - Page 63: 3

Answer

While the Hawaiian Islands were forming, the Pacific plate was moving in a northwestern direction. The movement of the Pacific plate was towards the northwest over a fixed hot spot located beneath the Earth's crust. As the Pacific plate moved, a chain of volcanic islands formed, with the oldest islands located to the northwest and the youngest islands towards the southeast. This progression of island ages, known as the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain, provides evidence for the northwest movement of the Pacific plate relative to the fixed hot spot.

Work Step by Step

While the Hawaiian Islands were forming, the Pacific plate was moving in a northwestern direction. The movement of the Pacific plate was towards the northwest over a fixed hot spot located beneath the Earth's crust. As the Pacific plate moved, a chain of volcanic islands formed, with the oldest islands located to the northwest and the youngest islands towards the southeast. This progression of island ages, known as the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain, provides evidence for the northwest movement of the Pacific plate relative to the fixed hot spot.
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