Hot spots/Magma plumes

What is a hot spot/magma plume?

a rising column of particularly hot magma which rises through the mantle towards the crust, eventually “burning through” and penetrating the crust

How many hot spots/magma plumes are there across the globe?

125

Where are most hot spots/magma plumes not located?

on plate boundaries

Where is there a well-known hot spot/magma plume located at a plate boundary?

Iceland

Why is there much debate & uncertainty created around the hot spot theory?

the number of modifications and elaborations necessary to make the hot spot theory apply in all cases

How does the hot spot theory work?

1. Radioactive decay in the Earth's core generates very hot temperatures

2. When the radioactive decay is concentrated, magma plumes form

3. The magma plumes rise vertically

4. Eventually, the magma plumes “burn” through the lithosphere

5. Volcanic activity on the surface is induced

Which scientist came up with the hot spot theory?

J. Tuzo Wilson

What alternative theory to the hot spot theory does scientist G. Foulger (2003) offer/propose instead?

the weaknesses that exist in tectonic plates themselves should be looked at instead

How many islands make up the Hawaiian state?

19

Which Hawaiian Island is the largest?

Hawaii/the Big Island

Where are the Hawaiian Islands located?

in the central Pacific Ocean, almost 4,000km away from the nearest continental landmass (San Francisco, California, USA)

What do all the Hawaiian Islands have in common?

they are all volcanic in origin