Three distinct types of hotspots in the Earth's mantle
Abstract
The origin of mantle hotspots is a controversial topic. Only seven ('primary') out of 49 hotspots meet criteria aimed at detecting a very deep origin (three in the Pacific, four in the Indo-Atlantic hemisphere). In each hemisphere these move slowly, whereas there has been up to 50 mm/a motion between the two hemispheres prior to 50 Ma ago. This correlates with latitudinal shifts in the Hawaiian and Reunion hotspots, and with a change in true polar wander. We propose that hotspots may come from distinct mantle boundary layers, and that the primary ones trace shifts in quadrupolar convection in the lower mantle.
- Publication:
-
Earth and Planetary Science Letters
- Pub Date:
- January 2003
- DOI:
- 10.1016/S0012-821X(02)01048-8
- Bibcode:
- 2003E&PSL.205..295C
- Keywords:
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- hotspots;
- mantle plumes;
- convection;
- true polar wander