South Arch volcanic field

South Arch volcanic field
South Arch volcanic field 200 kilometres (120 mi) south from Hawaiʻi Island
Highest point
Elevation	10 m (33 ft)Above sea floor
Coordinates	17°15′N 155°45′W / 17.250°N 155.750°W / 17.250; -155.750[1]
Dimensions
Length	35 km (22 mi)
Width	50 km (31 mi)
Geography
Location	200 kilometres (120 mi) south from Hawaiʻi Island
Country	United States
State	Hawaii
Geology
Mountain type	Volcanic field
Type of rock	Basaltic rock

200km
124miles

South Arch

  

Location south of the Hawaiian Islands

South Arch volcanic field is an underwater volcanic field south of Hawaiʻi Island. It was active during the last 10,000 years, and covers an area of 35 by 50 kilometres (22 mi × 31 mi) at a depth of 4,950 metres (16,240 ft).

Although the field is related to the Hawaiian hotspot, it does not appear to be a precursory volcano, but seems to have formed when the weight of the growing Hawaiian volcanoes caused the oceanic crust to buckle, opening up pathways for magma to ascend in front of the hotspot.