Final answer:
A seamount that breaks the ocean's surface becomes an island, as demonstrated by the formation of the Hawaiian island chain. Pioneer species colonize new land first, and closer gravitational potential isolines indicate a steeper slope of a. hill.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a seamount breaks through the surface of the ocean, it becomes an island. Seamounts are underwater mountains formed by volcanic eruptions, and they can grow in height over time due to continued volcanic activity. When such a mount rises above the sea level, it is considered an island. An example of this process is the creation of the Hawaiian island chain, which was formed by volcanic activity as the Pacific Plate moved over hot spots.
The pioneer species are the first to colonize new land formed from volcanic lava, starting the ecological succession that leads to a diversity of life. Finally, the shape that a hill would have as the isolines of gravitational potential get closer together would be a steeper slope.
In summary:
- A seamount that breaches the ocean surface becomes an island.
- The first species to colonize new volcanic land are pioneer species.
- As gravitational potential isolines get closer, hills have steeper slopes.