To determine how far the plate moves in 50 years multiply the rate by 50. The plate will move 550 cm or 5.5 m in 50 years. Compare this distance to something familiar, e.g., the length of your classroom. The volcano that formed the Island of Niihau is 4.89 million years old. Step 1 Rate is the distance traveled over a period of time.
Time is the age of the island.
Start by measuring the distance from southeast Hawaii to Niihau. Use the scale on the map. Step 2 To determine the average rate of motion for the Pacific Plate, divide the distance to Niihau by the age of the island.