Island
Island
An island is a body of land surrounded by water. Continents are not considered islands due to their vast size, although they meet the basic criteria. There are two main types of islands: continental islands and oceanic islands.
Definition[edit | edit source]
The term "island" comes from the Old English word "iland", which means "watered place". In a broader sense, an island is a piece of land that is surrounded by water on all sides but is not a continent.
Types of Islands[edit | edit source]
There are two main types of islands: continental islands and oceanic islands.
Continental Islands[edit | edit source]
Continental islands are part of a continental shelf and were once connected to a continent. They are usually found on the shelf of a continent. Examples include Greenland and Long Island in New York.
Oceanic Islands[edit | edit source]
Oceanic islands are not part of a continental shelf and are usually volcanic. They are formed from submarine volcanoes or hotspots on the ocean floor. Examples include Hawaii and Iceland.
Formation of Islands[edit | edit source]
Islands are formed through various geological processes. The most common processes are volcanic activity, erosion, and deposition of sediment.
Volcanic Activity[edit | edit source]
Many islands are formed through volcanic activity. When a volcano erupts underwater, it can create a new island. This is how the Hawaiian Islands were formed.
Erosion[edit | edit source]
Erosion can also create islands. When water erodes the land, it can separate a piece of land from the mainland, creating an island.
Deposition of Sediment[edit | edit source]
Deposition of sediment can also create islands. When sediment is deposited in a body of water, it can build up over time and form an island.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD