Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Many islands in southern Europe are formed as a result of volcanic activity. The hot magma under the earth's surface seeps up to the sea bed through the cracks in the crust. The magma cools down as it comes into contact with the cold water, forming solid rock. This can cause the sea bed to rise above the water's surface, forming a new island. Over time, the magma inside the volcano cools and solidifies, forming a cone-shaped mountain.
Examples include:
- Pantelleria, Italy
- Stromboli, Italy
- Vulcano, Italy
- Santorini, Greece
Tectonic activity
Some southern European islands are formed due to tectonic activity. The tectonic plates of the Earth's crust move and collide, causing the formation of mountains and islands. When the tectonic plates move apart from each other, magma rises up from the interior of the Earth, fills the cracks, and forms new crust. This can cause the sea bed to rise above the water's surface, forming a new island.
Examples include:
- Malta and Gozo
- Cyprus
Continental drift
Some southern European islands are formed as a result of the continental drift. The continents on the Earth's crust move slowly, and when they collide, the landmasses can be pushed together or pulled apart. This movement of continents can cause the sea bed to rise above the water's surface, forming a new island.
Examples include:
- Crete, Greece
- Sicily, Italy