Evolution of Hawaiian volcanoes

The evolution of Hawaiian volcanoes occurs in several stages of growth and decline. The fifteen volcanoes that make up the eight principal islands of Hawaii are the youngest in a chain of more than 129 volcanoes that stretch 5,800 kilometers (3,600 mi) across the North Pacific Ocean, called the Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain.^[1] Hawaiʻi's volcanoes rise an average of 4,600 meters (15,000 ft) to reach sea level from their base.^[2] The largest, Mauna Loa, is 4,169 meters (13,678 ft) high.^[2] As shield volcanoes, they are built by accumulated lava flows, growing a few meters or feet at a time to form a broad and gently sloping shape.^[2]

Hawaiian islands undergo a systematic pattern of submarine and subaerial growth that is followed by erosion. An island's stage of development reflects its distance from the Hawaii hotspot.