Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What geological process do the Hawaiian islands exemplify?

1. Volcanic eruption from a submerged ridge

2. Island building occurring over a hot spot

3. Coral reef development

4. Glacial erosion

The correct answer is: Island building occurring over a hot spot

The Hawaiian islands serve as a prime example of island building occurring over a hot spot, which is a volcanic region thought to be fed by underlying mantle that is anomalously hot compared with the surrounding mantle. This process initiates when magma rises through the Earth's crust, resulting in volcanic eruptions that form new islands. Over time, as the tectonic plate moves over the stationary hot spot, a chain of increasingly older volcanic islands is created. In the case of Hawaii, the islands have been formed by successive volcanic eruptions that have built up land over time. The islands of the Hawaiian archipelago are actually a linear series, each representing a different stage in the life cycle of the volcanic activity associated with the hot spot. The youngest island, the Big Island of Hawaii, is still active, showcasing ongoing volcanic activity that continues to add to its size. This geological process is distinct from other options, such as coral reef development or glacial erosion, which involve different mechanisms and conditions.