Why are the volcanoes on the Hawaiian Islands northwest of the big island oh Hawaii no longer erupting?

Answer 1

The entire Pacific plate is moving very, very slowly and as it does, some of the thermal vents are closed over until a new weak spot in the Earth's crust moves over the ever-present magma chamber allowing for it to break through when enough pressure builds up.

Answer 2

The hot spot deep in the Earth- is at a fixed point, while the tectonic plate above it is moving to the northwest. As the plate moves, the hot spot keeps burning "holes" in it- thus creating new volcanos at the front of the line. The old volcanos to the NW, are no longer above the hot spot, so their magma supply is cut off. Eventually the oldest volcanoes will disappear back into the sea- while new & active ones will appear at the beginning of the Hawaiian chain. Pretty cool, huh?!

Answer 3

Northwest Volcanoes

Answer 4

Because the moving of the tectonic plates moved those volcanoes from the tunnels that magma could rise from the crust to the surface, therefore the volcanoes cannot erupt because the volcano can no longer release the magma from underground.

Answer 5

The active area of eruption has moved , so the area on the southern end of the island now is the area with the thinnest crust above the magma, and when the pressure builds up, it breaks through in that area. The area is continuing to move as the tectonic plates move.

Answer 6

I agree with Joseph II. It is a hot spot under a tetonic plate moving towards the northwest.

Answer 7

I think only the Hawaiian Volcano God, Ooga Booga Hocka Loogey, can answer that one.

Answer 8

That's a good question!

Answer 9

Great point, I'd like to know more as well

Answer 10

I think it just erupts alot thats just what i think