Mantle plume

Definition

A mantle plume is a localized column of hot, solid material that rises from deep within the Earth's mantle, potentially causing volcanic activity at the surface. These plumes are believed to originate at the core-mantle boundary and can create hotspots where magma breaks through the lithosphere, leading to intraplate volcanism. They play a crucial role in understanding volcanic systems and their relationship with tectonic plates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mantle plumes can create extensive volcanic activity far from tectonic plate boundaries, leading to intraplate volcanism.
2. The Hawaiian Islands are a classic example of volcanic islands formed by a mantle plume, where the Pacific Plate moves over a stationary hotspot.
3. Mantle plumes can lead to the formation of large igneous provinces, which are vast regions of volcanic rock produced by massive outpourings of lava.
4. Research suggests that mantle plumes can be responsible for some of the Earth's largest volcanic eruptions, including those associated with supervolcanoes.
5. The temperature of materials within a mantle plume can be significantly higher than the surrounding mantle, often exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius.

Review Questions

• How do mantle plumes contribute to intraplate volcanism and what are some examples of their effects?
  • Mantle plumes contribute to intraplate volcanism by providing a source of heat and magma that can create volcanoes away from tectonic plate boundaries. This heat causes magma to rise through the lithosphere, resulting in volcanic eruptions at the surface. The Hawaiian Islands are a prime example, as they formed due to the Pacific Plate moving over a stationary mantle plume. Other examples include the Yellowstone hotspot in the United States.
• Discuss the relationship between mantle plumes and tectonic plates, particularly regarding hotspot formation.
  • Mantle plumes interact with tectonic plates in such a way that they can create hotspots, which are areas of volcanic activity that arise above these hot columns of material. As tectonic plates move over a stationary mantle plume, they can produce chains of volcanoes that display a specific age progression. This occurs because older volcanoes become extinct as they drift away from the plume while new ones form above it, as seen in the Hawaiian-Emperor seamount chain.
• Evaluate the implications of mantle plume activity on global geological processes and how they influence our understanding of Earth’s interior.
  • Mantle plume activity has significant implications for global geological processes as it affects volcanic activity and can influence climate through large eruptions. The study of mantle plumes enhances our understanding of Earth's interior by providing insights into thermal dynamics and material movement within the mantle. Moreover, recognizing how these plumes interact with tectonic plates allows scientists to better predict volcanic hazards and understand the evolution of continental structures over geologic time.

Related terms

hotspot: A hotspot is a volcanic region thought to be fed by underlying mantle that is anomalously hot compared to the surrounding mantle, often associated with mantle plumes.

volcanic island chain: A series of volcanic islands formed as a tectonic plate moves over a stationary hotspot, resulting in a linear arrangement of volcanoes.

tectonic plate: A large section of the Earth's lithosphere that moves and interacts with other plates, affecting geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanism.