Is 'hotspot' volcanism a consequence of plate tectonics?

Foulger, G.R.; Natland, J.H.

Abstract

Many volcanoes are associated with subduction zones or mid-ocean ridges, but other areas of unusually high volcanism (or "hotspots") have a more subtle connection to plate tectonic processes. In their Perspective, Foulger and Natland argue that "hotspot" volcanism is not very hot and is a shallow-source by-product of plate tectonics. In a related Perspective, DePaolo and Manga argue that evidence for at least some "hotspots" being caused by deep plumes originating at the base of Earth's mantle is strong, although direct evidence is still lacking because of the limited resolution of seismic studies.

Citation

Foulger, G., & Natland, J. (2003). Is 'hotspot' volcanism a consequence of plate tectonics?. Science, 300(5621), 921-922. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1083376

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2003-05
• Journal: Science
• Print ISSN: 0036-8075
• Electronic ISSN: 1095-9203
• Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 300
• Issue: 5621
• Pages: 921-922
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1083376
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1597098