Contrast the physical features of the high and low islands of the Pacific. Why would geographers separate the Pacific Islands into these two categories?

Answer:

High islands are usually volcanic and rise steeply above the ocean, with mountains, valleys, and often fertile soils. Low islands are generally flat, low-lying coral islands or atolls formed from reefs, often surrounding a lagoon. Geographers separate them because their origins and physical features differ, which also affects their soils, resources, settlement, and vulnerability to rising sea levels.