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Chapter 4: Problem 1

What are the three main tectonic settings for volcanism on Earth?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The three main tectonic settings for volcanism on Earth are: 1. Divergent Plate Boundaries - where two tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and form volcanic ridges, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. 2. Convergent Plate Boundaries - where two tectonic plates move towards each other and one plate is forced beneath the other, leading to volcanic activity along subduction zones, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire. 3. Intraplate Volcanism (Hotspots) - volcanic activity occurring within a tectonic plate, usually caused by a stationary hotspot, forming chains of volcanic islands like the Hawaiian Islands.

Step by step solution

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1. Divergent Plate Boundaries

At divergent plate boundaries, two tectonic plates move apart from each other. As they separate, magma rises from the mantle to fill the void created by the separating plates. This results in volcanic activity, forming a chain of volcanoes or a volcanic ridge along the boundary. An example of this setting is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
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2. Convergent Plate Boundaries

At convergent plate boundaries, two tectonic plates move towards each other. When one plate is forced beneath the other (a process called subduction), the subducting plate is exposed to higher pressures and temperatures, causing it to partially melt. The melted rock, or magma, rises to the surface and forms volcanoes along the boundary. This type of volcanic activity occurs along subduction zones, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
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3. Intraplate Volcanism (Hotspots)

Intraplate volcanism takes place within a tectonic plate, away from its boundaries. In this case, volcanism is usually caused by a hotspot – a region in the mantle where heat and magma rise to the surface due to a narrow plume or concentrated area of heat. Hotspots can create chains of volcanic islands as the tectonic plate slowly moves over the stationary hotspot. A well-known example of this setting is the Hawaiian Islands.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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What is the primary mechanism for partial melting at a convergent plate boundary?

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