Islands

Essential Questions: • What is an island?• How are islands different from continental masses?• What are some advantages and

disadvantages of an island?

• Describe what an island is

• Locate the world’s 20 largest islands

• Describe some of the characteristics of four different kinds of islands

• Describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of being an island.

Objectives: Students will be able to:

A body of land surrounded by water, (as opposed to a peninsula)

What is an island?

Less than continental size

Above water at all times

Large enough to support life

Varieties of islands

Continental islands

Part of the continent shelf, and of the same geologic composition as the continent, but separated from the mainland by water, either through rifts, erosion, subsidence, or a rise in sea level.

Varieties of islands

Continental islands

Example: Madagascar

Varieties of islands

Oceanic islands

Rise from the ocean floor often through volcanic action.

Varieties of islands

Oceanic islands

Example: Hawaii

Varieties of islands

Coral islands

Formed in shallow water by the activities of coral, a living thing.

Varieties of islands

Coral islands

Example: Florida Keys

Varieties of islands

Barrier islands

Formed by deposition, either from rivers or ocean currents. Barrier Islands are often parallel to the coast, made of sand or silt, and are relatively unstable.

Varieties of islands

Barrier islands

Example: San Padre Islands (Texas)

Underline the names of the 20 largest islands

CubaVictoriaEllesmereBaffinGreenlandNewfoundlandIceland

Great Britain IrelandMadagascarSumatraJavaBorneoCelebes

New GuineaNorth Island, NZSouth Island, NZMindanaoLuzonHonshu

Map Activity

How are islands unique?

Climate

Brainstorming

Activity

More influenced by the ocean

More moderate climate Not always wet

How are islands unique?

Surrounded by water

Brainstorming

Activity

Biological diversity (Galapagos)

Safety (Great Britain)Isolation (New Zealand)

Cultural distinctiveness (Ireland)

How are islands unique?

Transportation and Location

Brainstorming

Activity

Transportation stop (Hawaii)

Location advantage (Manhattan)

Transportation disadvantage (Isle Royale)

How are islands unique?

Economics

Brainstorming

Activity

Linked with unique physical or cultural characteristics (Jamaica)

Linked with location (Guam)

Tourism!

Describe the location and characteristics of _______ Island.

State why it is considered an island, and what kind of island it is.

Group

Activity

Describe two advantages and two disadvantages it hasbecause it is an island.