In brief about what an island is

Approximately each of us knows what isisland and what are its features. But in order that you could substantiate this natural phenomenon from a scientific and philosophical point of view, we decided to tell in more detail about this part of the land. After all, most of the modern islands - this is a real bait for tourists and travelers. Well, let's go to our geographic cruise on the world map and select the definition of the island, its features and varieties.

Short meaning of the term

So, the island is a small part of the land thatall sides are surrounded by water. It largely rises above all the surrounding waters, even during the tides. A distinctive feature of all the islands is their area - in comparison with the continents they are small. The largest island on the planet is Greenland - it is three times smaller than the smallest continent - Australia. All other islands are either single sites or archipelagos that occupy a small part of one of the oceans or seas.

Features of classification by origin

Now let's try to determine what an island is andgeological point of view. Firstly, such land areas can be found in oceans, seas, and fresh water bodies. Those that are located near the continents are called continental. At a further distance are the islands of the transition zone, and in completely remote waters - oceanic (for example, Hawaii). The geological composition of the islands is determined by their origin. Therefore in the world there are coral archipelagoes formed by bedrock, washed by waves or undercurrents, as well as those formed during volcanic processes. In rivers, erosion and alluvial islands predominate.

Politics and natural wonders

Next, we have to find out what an island is likepolitical point of view and how it stands out on the eponymous world map. We note at once that, like any part of the continent, a separately located small part of the land may be sovereign, and may belong to some continental state. For example, Madagascar, one of the largest islands in the world, is an independent country with its own history and religion. The Canary Islands, which are so loved by tourists around the world, belong to Spain, and Hawaii, which is located far from any continent, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean - is one of the states of America.

The island climate

It is clear that the island states andthe provinces of continental countries can be located both in warm waters and in cold waters, on which their weather conditions will largely differ. However, one major factor will unite all these lands, regardless of the currents that surround them - this is increased humidity. Since each island is surrounded by water, the air here will be constantly filled with moisture and plenty of salt. Many believe that such conditions, even in combination with low temperature values, are extremely beneficial for health. Therefore, on most islands, there are so many resorts and sanatoria open.

What are the islands in their parameters

Each island is characterized by itsindividual sizes. Among them, the largest, occupying a significant part of the water area. These are Greenland, Madagascar, Sumatra (Indonesia), Great Britain, Java, Cuba Sakhalin and many others. Small islands, which are located far from the mainland, form archipelagos. The most famous among these are the southern resorts - Maldives, Seychelles, Hawaii, or strategically important objects - the Kuril Islands, the Aleutians and many others. But still, in order to thoroughly know what an island is, how it breathes and is felt, it is necessary to go there and enjoy the unforgettable nature in full.