The first three questions need to be answered with approximately 15-20 lines of text. The last question (#6), needs to be 1 to 2 pages long. Each essay question needs to have references cited. 1. Using concepts you have learned thus far in the course, suggest possible reasons why the Big Island of Hawaii (the Southeastern-most Island of the island chain) is the largest island of the entire chain. For additional information on Loihi, the newest volcano in the chain, visit the Web site for the Hawaii Center for Volcanology (Links to an external site.). 2. Using concepts you have learned thus far in the course, suggest possible reasons why are abyssal plains much more common in the Atlantic than in the Pacific? 5. Explain why anticyclones rotate clockwise and cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, and why the opposite is true for the Southern Hemisphere. Using concepts you have learned thus far in the course answer the question. Be sure to mention the Coriolis Effect in your answer. 6. Unknown before 1977, hydrothermal vents, also known as black smokers, represent a unique environment on our planet. Take a stance of either supporting future exploration and research or calling for protection of this ecosystem. Consider if the mineral wealth associated with black smokers should be exploited, or whether such a unique ecological environment should be conserved? Think about the future in terms of building an argument to environmentally protect black smoker ecosystems or allow for exploration, research, possible mining, a potential food source, and tourism.
