Geography
Volcanic Island Formation and Ecological Succession
Quick fact
The Hawaiian Islands were formed by a stationary hotspot under the Pacific Plate; the oldest island, Kauai, is about 5.1 million years old, while the youngest, the Big Island, is still growing from active eruptions.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a brand-new island rising from the ocean, its surface covered in black, sterile lava. How does a lush rainforest full of unique birds and plants ever come to exist on such a barren start?