Chapter 6: Problem 11

What process in the mantle may be responsible for causing hot-spot volcanoes to form?

Short Answer

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The process in the mantle responsible for causing hot-spot volcanoes to form is mantle convection, particularly the formation of mantle plumes. These unusually hot masses of rock rise from the deep mantle to the upper mantle or surface, creating magma due to lower pressure. This magma then moves upwards through the crust, eventually reaching the surface and forming a volcanic eruption. As the Earth's crust moves over the stationary mantle plume, a chain of volcanic islands or seamounts is created, like the Hawaiian Islands or the Galapagos Islands.

Step by step solution

Introduction to Hot-Spot Volcanoes

Hot-spot volcanoes are a type of volcanism that occurs due to the presence of an unusually hot region, called a hot spot, deep within the mantle of the Earth.

Understanding Earth's Mantle

The Earth's mantle is a layer of rock beneath the crust and above the outer core. It is composed of solid and partially molten rock materials. The mantle is divided into the upper and lower mantle based on variations in rock composition, temperature, and pressure.

Concept of Mantle Convection

Mantle convection refers to the slow movement of rock within the mantle due to variations in temperature and pressure. The hotter material from the lower mantle rises towards the surface, cools, and then sinks back down, creating a continuous convection process that helps distribute heat throughout the Earth.

Formation of Hot Spots

A hot spot is formed when an unusually hot mass of rock (mantle plume) rises from the deep mantle to the upper mantle or even the surface. As the hot mantle plume rises, it reaches a point where the pressure is low enough for the rocks to start melting, forming magma.

Magma Rising through the Crust

Once the magma is formed, it starts moving upwards through the crust due to its buoyancy and lower density compared to the surrounding solid rock. It eventually reaches the surface where it can create a volcano.

Hot-Spot Volcanoes Formation

As the Earth's crust moves above the stationary mantle plume, the magma continuously rises and punctures through the crust, forming a series of volcanic eruptions aligned in the direction of the crust's movement. This forms a chain of volcanic islands or seamounts, as seen in the Hawaiian Islands or the Galapagos Islands.

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What process in the mantle may be responsible for causing hot-spot volcanoes to form?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Hot-Spot Volcanoes

Understanding Earth's Mantle

Concept of Mantle Convection

Formation of Hot Spots

Magma Rising through the Crust

Hot-Spot Volcanoes Formation

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