Plate Tectonics Questions Medium
The process of hotspot formation involves the upwelling of abnormally hot mantle material from deep within the Earth's mantle. This upwelling occurs in a fixed location, known as a hotspot, which remains stationary while the tectonic plates move over it. As the mantle material rises, it melts and forms a magma chamber beneath the Earth's crust. Eventually, this magma finds its way to the surface through cracks and fractures, forming a volcanic eruption. Over time, as the tectonic plate continues to move, a chain of volcanic islands or seamounts is formed. The volcanic activity at the hotspot can continue for millions of years, creating a trail of volcanic islands or seamounts known as a hotspot track. Notable examples of hotspot tracks include the Hawaiian Islands and the Yellowstone hotspot in the United States.