The majority of the Earth’s volcanoes are composite volcanoes, produced by heat and pressure where the Earth’s plate boundaries collide. Hawaiian volcanoes are instead explained by the hot spot theory. Because Hawaiian volcanoes are formed in the middle of the Pacific plate and not on the edge, the plate tectonic theory by itself doesn’t explain their origin.

Hawaiian geology is the same, undergoing a constant cycle of formation, transformation, and destruction. The Earth’s geology is in a constant state of flux. What is the difference between shield and composite volcanoes? ObjectiveĪt the end of this lesson, the students will be able to describe the theory of geological processes that created the Hawaiian archipelago while demonstrating an understanding of terms and concepts associated with hotspot theory and plate tectonics. Grade Level: Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade Subject: Science Lesson Duration: 60 Minutes State Standards: Hawaiʻi Content and Performance Standards III:

Born in the fire