Final answer:
The hot spot is located beneath the youngest volcanic island formed in a chain of islands known as a hot spot track. The Hawaiian hot spot, under the island of Hawaii with active volcanoes, is an example of such a hot spot indicating current volcanic activity. The youngest volcanic rocks mark the present location of the hotspot.
Step-by-step explanation:
In determining the location of a hot spot based on the age of volcanic islands, the hot spot would currently be located under the youngest island, as the underlying tectonic plate moves over this stationary heat source. The chain of islands formed by a hot spot is known as a hot spot track, and it aligns with the direction of the plate movement. As the Pacific Plate, for example, moves northwest, the Hawaiian hot spot creates new volcanic activity, forming islands progressively older towards the southeast.
Volcanic islands provide evidence of plate movement and hot spot activity. Over time, as the plate moves, a series of volcanoes are built by the hotspot; younger islands or volcanic structures will be nearer to the current location of the hotspot, with the older formations being positioned farther away geographically and reflecting the prior position of the hotspot as the plate shifted over time.
Considering the renowned Hawaiian hot spot, it has formed a lengthy chain of volcanic islands, with the active volcanoes on the island of Hawaii indicating the present hotspot location. As you observe islands that are geologically younger, you will find your way back to the live hotspot, which provides the heat for current volcanic activity.