How long until hawaii gets its new island?

Question

i need to know this!i have NO clue what it is, i have it on a test 5/2/08!

i need it by 5/1/08!

thanx!

Answer 1

Who knows?  Yes, another is being developed south of the Big Island, but it may take several hundred years, or even much longer.

Answer 2

The Hawaiian Islands were formed as the continental plate moved over a hot spot on the mantle.   The first island is probably Wake,  even though it is not included as one of the Hawaiian Islands.  As the plate moved,  a new island would form,  with Hawaii the most recent island.   That is why the Hawaiian Islands form a chain.   Until the plate moves,  the volcanic vent will continue to come up on the large Hawaii Island.   The plate moved faster in the past so the earlier formed islands are smaller,  the newer islands larger.   There drift is at a rate of 10 cm per year.   When it moves enough,  a new volcano is formed and when it breaks the surface,  a new island.   Right now a vent is located southeast of the big Island of Hawaii.  

The seamount being formed is called Lo 'ihi.   Its peak is still 1000 feet below sea level.  At its current rate of lava flow,  it will be several tens of thousands of years before there is a new island.   So do not plan on buying property there any time soon.

Also,  if things work out one way,  it could shortly merge with the existing island of Hawaii and simply give it a new volcano vent.

Answer 3

From About.com:

"A new island has already begun to form about 15 miles off the southeast coast of the Big Island. Named Loihi, its seamount has already risen about 2 miles above the ocean floor, and within 1 mile of the ocean surface. In another thirty or forty thousand years, a new island will exist where the Big Island of Hawaii currently rests."