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

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

There are two main types of islands: continental islands and oceanic islands.

Continental Islands

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

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

Islands are formed through various geological processes. The most common processes are volcanic activity, erosion, and deposition of sediment.

Volcanic Activity

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

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

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

• Archipelago
• Atoll
• Islet
• Cay

References

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