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Key Facts: Canary Islands PAU Geology & Env Sci Exam

COPAU 2026

Official Canary Islands PAU university admission framework

Gobierno de Canarias / ULPGC / ULL

90 Minutes

Duration of the official written exam

COPAU Examination Guide

0–10 Scale

Grading scale requiring minimum 4.0 in Access Phase

Canary Islands PAU Regulations

4 Core Modules

Volcanology, Geomorphology/Hydrogeology, Hazards, Sustainability

2º Bachillerato LOMLOE Curriculum

100

High-quality practice questions in this question bank

OpenExamPrep

The Canary Islands PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences exam tests 2º Bachillerato competencies across volcanic geology, insular hydrogeology, geological risks, trade wind microclimates, and environmental sustainability.

Sample Canary Islands PAU Geology & Env Sci Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Canary Islands PAU Geology & Env Sci exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which tectonic and geodynamic model best explains the age progression of the Canary Islands archipelago from east (Fuerteventura/Lanzarote, ~20 Myr) to west (El Hierro/La Palma, <2 Myr)?
A.A slow-moving African continental rift spreading zone
B.A mantle plume (hotspot) interacting with a slow-moving African oceanic plate
C.A subduction zone dipping beneath the Northwest African continental margin
D.A transform fault system extending directly from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Explanation: The mantle plume or hotspot hypothesis proposes that a stationary thermal plume in the deep mantle supplies magma while the African plate moves slowly eastward over it, producing an age-progressive chain of volcanic islands from oldest in the east to youngest in the west.
2During magmatic differentiation in intraplate oceanic volcanoes, what is the evolutionary sequence of volcanic rocks from primitive mantle melt to highly evolved felsic lava?
A.Kimberlite → Carbonatite → Komatiite → Andesite
B.Gabbro → Granodiorite → Granite → Peridotite
C.Rhyolite → Andesite → Dacite → Basalt
D.Alkali Basalt → Trachybasalt (Hawaiite/Mugearite) → Trachyte → Phonolite
Explanation: Canary alkaline magmatism evolves through fractional crystallization in magma chambers, starting from mantle-derived primitive alkali basalts, progressing through intermediate trachybasalts, and yielding highly silica-undersaturated and alkali-rich differentiated endmembers such as trachyte and phonolite.
3What is the primary origin of the 'Complejo Basal' (Basal Complex) exposed in deep erosion windows on Fuerteventura, La Palma, and La Gomera?
A.Metamorphic basement blocks detached from the South American craton
B.Glacial deposits and ancient river gravels lithified during the Quaternary
C.Submarine oceanic basement, plutonic intrusive rocks, and dense sheeted dyke swarms uplifted prior to subaerial island growth
D.Subaerial flood basalt plains erupted during continental rifting
Explanation: The Complejo Basal consists of the uplifted pre-insular stage: Cretaceous oceanic crust, submarine pillow lavas, hyaloclastites, plutonic intrusives (gabbros, pyroxenites, syenites), and dense dyke swarms formed before the island grew above sea level.
4How do basaltic lava flows characterized as 'pahoehoe' differ morphologically and physically from 'aa' (malpaís) lavas?
A.Pahoehoe lavas erupt only during explosive caldera collapses, while aa lavas form in lava domes
B.Pahoehoe lavas form exclusively underwater as pillow structures, while aa lavas form on land
C.Pahoehoe lavas contain over 70% silica, while aa lavas are ultramafic mantle melts
D.Pahoehoe lavas have a smooth, ropy surface and lower viscosity, whereas aa lavas have a rough, jagged, clinkery surface due to higher viscosity and degassing
Explanation: Pahoehoe lava (locally known as lava cordada) flows smoothly with a thin, flexible crust at higher temperatures and lower viscosity. As the lava cools, degasses, and shear stresses increase, it transitions into aa lava (malpaís), creating jagged, spiky clinkery rubble.
5What main structural mechanism accounts for the formation of the Las Cañadas caldera structure on Tenerife?
A.A combination of massive vertical magmatic chamber collapse and gravitational mega-landslides toward the north and south coasts
B.Exclusive surface erosion by river network headward retreat over millions of years
C.Tectonic pull-apart faulting along a continental transform boundary
D.Meteorite impact cratering during the early Pleistocene
Explanation: Las Cañadas caldera is a complex volcanic depression formed by major vertical collapse following large-volume explosive eruptions of phonolitic magma chambers, accompanied by multi-stage gravitational slope failures (mega-landslides).
6During the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma (Cumbre Vieja rift), what type of volcanic activity was predominantly exhibited?
A.Effusive Ultra-Plinian eruption generating ignimbrite sheets across the whole island
B.Peléan lava dome collapse generating lethal pyroclastic flows
C.Strombolian to phreatomagmatic explosive activity combined with basaltic lava emissions along a fissure system
D.Submarine fissure eruption producing exclusively pillow basalts without ash emission
Explanation: The 2021 Tajogaite eruption was a classic fissure eruption featuring multi-vent Strombolian explosive pulses (ash, lapilli, lava fountains) accompanied by basaltic lava flows and localized phreatomagmatic interactions when groundwater was involved.
7What defines a volcanic 'rift zone' (dorsal volcánica) as observed on islands like Tenerife and El Hierro?
A.A prominent triaxial or coaxial fracture zone along which magma preferentially intrudes as dykes, concentrating cinder cones and fissure eruptions
B.A submarine trench where oceanic crust is subducted into the upper mantle
C.A flat sedimentary basin formed by lacustrine deposition
D.A linear belt of intense compressive folds formed by continental collision
Explanation: Volcanic rift zones (dorsales) are structural lineaments produced by regional gravitational stress and magma pressure. They concentrate dyke intrusions and fissure vents, creating linear ridges (e.g., Pedro Gil, Anaga, Teno on Tenerife; Cumbre Vieja on La Palma).
8Which property of seismic P-waves (primary waves) allows geophysicists to confirm that Earth's outer core is liquid?
A.P-waves travel faster in liquids than in solid mantle peridotite
B.P-waves cannot travel through liquids and stop completely at the mantle-core boundary
C.P-waves propagate through both solids and liquids but experience a sharp velocity drop at the mantle-core boundary due to the lower bulk modulus of liquid outer core iron-nickel alloy
D.P-waves rotate their polarization plane by 90 degrees when encountering liquid phase boundaries
Explanation: P-waves are longitudinal compressional waves capable of traveling through both solids and liquids. At the Gutenberg discontinuity (mantle-core boundary), their velocity drops sharply from ~13.7 km/s to ~8.1 km/s because the liquid outer core lacks shear rigidity and has a lower bulk modulus.
9What type of intrusive volcanic structure forms prominent resistant isolated monoliths like 'Roque Nublo' (Gran Canaria) or 'Roque de Agando' (La Gomera)?
A.Glacial erratic boulders transported during ice ages
B.Extensive horizontal pahoehoe lava sheets
C.Unconsolidated ash cones accumulated by wind action
D.Eroded volcanic necks (pitones) or intrusive plugs made of resistant phonolitic/trachytic lava filling ancient conduit vents
Explanation: Roques or pitones are volcanic neck remnants. Viscous phonolitic or trachytic magma solidified inside the central volcanic conduit; subsequent erosion removed the softer surrounding pyroclastic wall rocks, leaving the hard resistant plug standing as a monolith.
10What fundamental geochemical difference distinguishes oceanic island alkali basalts in the Canary Islands from mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB)?
A.Canary alkali basalts are enriched in incompatible trace elements and alkalis (Na2O + K2O) relative to silica, reflecting deep plume mantle melting
B.MORB contains 75% silica, whereas alkali basalts contain less than 30% silica
C.Canary basalts are composed entirely of quartz and orthoclase feldspar
D.MORB magmas originate from continental crust melting, while Canary basalts stem from subducted slabs
Explanation: Canary alkali basalts originate from low-degree partial melting of an enriched deep mantle source (mantle plume), yielding higher alkalis ($Na_2O + K_2O$) and incompatible trace elements compared to tholeiitic MORB generated by high-degree shallow asthenospheric melting.

About the Canary Islands PAU Geology & Env Sci Exam

The Canary Islands PAU Geology and Environmental Sciences (Geología y Ciencias Ambientales) exam is the official standardized subject test administered by ULPGC and ULL for secondary students across Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and El Hierro. The LOMLOE 2026 curriculum emphasizes intraplate ocean island volcanism, basaltic-to-phonolitic magma differentiation, island lifecycle geomorphology, gravitational mega-landslides, volcanic hazard mitigation (PEVOLCA), insular hydrogeology (water galleries and vertical wells), trade-wind microclimates (mar de nubes), and sustainable island resource management.

Exam sponsor: Canary Islands PAU Organising Commission (COPAU) / ULPGC & ULL. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

90-minute written examination featuring structured question blocks evaluating ocean island volcanology, insular hydrogeology, geological hazards, and environmental sustainability.

Time Limit

90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 76.12 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (set by Gobierno de Canarias / COPAU).

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Internal Geodynamics & Canary Islands Volcanology

Earth interior structure, mantle plumes, intraplate ocean island volcanism, magmatic differentiation (basalt-trachyte-phonolite), rift zones, caldera formation, and island lifecycle stages.

25%

External Geodynamics, Geomorphology & Insular Hydrogeology

Volcanic rock weathering, ravines (barrancos), mega-landslides, coastal erosion, dune systems, basaltic aquifers, and gallery/well water extraction.

25%

Geological Hazards & Emergency Management

Volcanic hazards (lava, ash, gases, lahars), microseismic swarms, gravitational slope instability, flash floods, civil protection plans (PEVOLCA), and geophysical monitoring.

20%

Global Environmental Change & Island Sustainability

Trade winds and mar de nubes microclimates, soil degradation, groundwater salinization, island energy transitions, waste management, and protected natural areas (ENP).

Preparing for the Canary Islands PAU Geology & Env Sci Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).
  • Assessment: 90-minute written examination featuring structured question blocks evaluating ocean island volcanology, insular hydrogeology, geological hazards, and environmental sustainability.
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 76.12 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (set by Gobierno de Canarias / COPAU). Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Canary Islands PAU Geology & Env Sci: Suggested Study Strategy

1Understand the hotspot/mantle plume hypothesis and regional tectonic models explaining the age progression of Canary Islands from east (Fuerteventura/Lanzarote) to west (La Palma/El Hierro).
2Master magmatic fractional crystallization pathways from mantle-derived tholeiitic and alkali basalt to highly evolved trachyte and phonolite.
3Study insular hydrogeology, specifically how sub-horizontal water galleries (galerías) penetrate basaltic lava stacks and dyke swarms to intercept high-altitude aquifers.
4Review volcanic hazard monitoring techniques (seismicity, InSAR ground deformation, gas emissions) and the PEVOLCA emergency response matrix used during events like the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this practice bank in the same format as the real Canary Islands PAU exam?

No, and it is important to know the difference. The official Canary Islands PAU paper is a 90-minute examination sat in Spanish and built around structured written questions, map, cross-section and data interpretation, and justified extended answers. Under the 2026 PAU design rules agreed by COPAU and the CRUE, open and semi-constructed responses must account for at least 70% of every paper, so the real exam contains no multiple-choice section. This bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the same official 2º Bachillerato syllabus — not an official translation, not a past paper, and not a simulation of the exam format. Use it to drill the underlying knowledge and reasoning quickly, then practise interpreting geological maps and cross-sections and writing justified extended answers separately, because that is what the examiners actually mark.

What is the format of the Canary Islands PAU Geology & Environmental Sciences exam?

The exam is a 90-minute written assessment held at ULPGC and ULL designated examination centers, featuring structured conceptual questions, problem-solving, diagram interpretations, and environmental case studies.

How is the exam scored for university entrance in Spain?

The exam is graded on a 0–10 scale. In the compulsory Access Phase, a minimum mark of 4.0 is required to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU Access Phase >= 5.0). In the Admission Phase, it serves as a weighting subject (0.1 or 0.2 coefficient).

Does the exam cover specific Canary Islands geological and environmental features?

Yes, the Canary Islands curriculum heavily focuses on regional geology: ocean island basaltic/phonolitic volcanism, volcanic rift zones, collapse calderas (Las Cañadas), mega-landslides (Güímar, La Orotava, El Golfo), water gallery/mine hydrogeology, PEVOLCA emergency protocols, and trade-wind cloud forest (Laurisilva) ecosystems.

Which universities manage the PAU in the Canary Islands?

The exam is organized jointly by the Canary Islands PAU Organising Commission (COPAU), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), and Universidad de La Laguna (ULL).