What are 3 ways islands formed?

Islands are pieces of land that are surrounded by water. There are three main ways that islands are formed.

Volcanic islands

When hot lava from the Earth's core erupts through the ocean floor, it can form new islands. The lava cools and hardens, creating a solid surface.

Volcanic islands Example：Hawaii, Iceland, and Mount Etna

Coral reef islands

Coral reefs are made up of tiny organisms called coral polyps. The coral polyps build a hard outer shell that protects them from the ocean. Over time, the coral polyps build up a large structure that can rise above the water, forming an island.

Coral reef islands Example：The Great Barrier Reef, the Maldives, and Bermuda

Landmasses that break away from continents

Over time, the Earth's crust can move and shift. This can cause landmasses to break away from continents and form new islands.

Landmasses that break away from continents Example：Madagascar, New Zealand, and Newfoundland