Hot spots

Science

Definition

Locations on Earth's surface where plumes of hot mantle material rise from deep within the Earth, creating volcanic activity independent of plate boundaries. As tectonic plates move over a stationary hot spot, chains of volcanoes can form.

Examples

  • The Hawaiian Islands formed as the Pacific Plate moved over a hot spot
  • Yellowstone's geysers and hot springs powered by a continental hot spot
  • Iceland sitting on both the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and a hot spot

Related Terms

Plate tectonics Volcanic eruptions Plate boundaries Tectonic plates

Study This Concept

Practice hot spots with free review games in these units:

Earth Science Unit 3: Volcanoes and Mountains