Final answer:
Two islands with similar geological features being 1,000 km apart can be explained by historical tectonic plate movements, which could have separated a once connected landmass. Evidence of such geological processes is seen in features like the Great Unconformity and volcanic island chains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The possibility that two islands 1,000 km apart have similar geological features such as the same minerals, rare fossils, and identical mountains can be explained by the tectonic plate activity. Geological records indicate that continents and islands can move over time due to the shifting of tectonic plates. In the past, these two islands could have been part of the same landmass or been closer together, which explains the presence of the same geological characteristics. Over millions of years, the movement of plates could have separated them into the two distinct islands we see today. The Great Unconformity and the long chain of volcanic islands created by hotspots, such as those seen in the Hawaiian archipelago, support the understanding of these geological processes. Additionally, the findings about mountains on Earth and the planetary surfaces other than Earth, as well as the glaciers and snow on high-elevation ranges like those in New Guinea, contribute to our overall knowledge of geographical and geological diversity and changes over time.