If we consider that the islands and islets are based on broad platforms that rise, on the average, more than 15,000 feet [4,000 m] above the surrounding seafloor, we begin to appreciate that they are merely the exposed tips and crowns of huge mountains.
Laiadel platvormidel kõrguvad keskmiselt rohkem kui 4000 meetrit ülalpool merepinda suured ja väikesed saared, mis on tegelikult vaid tohutute mäemassiivide nähaolevad tipud.