Plume tail model

Definition

The plume tail model describes the structure and dynamics of mantle plumes, particularly focusing on how these plumes interact with the lithosphere. It illustrates that a plume consists of a hot, rising column of mantle material that can spread out horizontally once it reaches the base of the lithosphere, creating a tail that can influence tectonic activity and surface volcanism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The plume tail model emphasizes how plume material can spread out horizontally beneath the lithosphere, affecting regional geology and volcanic activity.
2. This model helps explain the formation of features like large igneous provinces and volcanic islands, as the plume tail can cause significant melting in the lithosphere.
3. The interaction between a mantle plume and the lithosphere can lead to tectonic uplift or subsidence, influencing earthquake patterns.
4. Plume tails can influence the composition of magmas produced in volcanic regions, leading to diverse volcanic products.
5. Understanding plume tail dynamics is crucial for interpreting the geological history of regions affected by mantle plumes and their associated volcanic activity.

Review Questions

• How does the plume tail model explain the distribution of volcanic activity in hotspot regions?
  • The plume tail model explains that as a mantle plume rises and reaches the lithosphere, it creates a hot spot where magma can generate. The horizontal spreading of the plume tail beneath the lithosphere allows for widespread melting and volcanism. This results in concentrated volcanic activity at the surface above the plume tail, which can lead to island chains or large volcanic provinces depending on the duration and intensity of plume activity.
• Discuss the significance of the plume tail model in understanding geological features like large igneous provinces.
  • The significance of the plume tail model lies in its ability to illustrate how a rising mantle plume can not only cause localized volcanic eruptions but also create extensive geological features such as large igneous provinces. As the hot material spreads out laterally upon reaching the base of the lithosphere, it induces extensive melting and produces large volumes of basaltic lava over a vast area. This process is vital for understanding past tectonic and volcanic activities on Earth.
• Evaluate how advancements in geophysical techniques have improved our understanding of plume dynamics and their interactions with the lithosphere.
  • Advancements in geophysical techniques, such as seismic tomography and satellite measurements, have significantly enhanced our understanding of mantle plumes and their interactions with the lithosphere. These methods allow scientists to visualize subsurface structures and dynamics more accurately, revealing details about plume morphology, movement, and thermal characteristics. Consequently, this improved knowledge aids in better modeling of plume-tail interactions, enabling researchers to predict volcanic activity and understand historical geological events more effectively.

Related terms

Mantle plume: A localized column of hot mantle material that rises toward the Earth's surface, potentially causing volcanic activity.

Lithosphere: The rigid outer layer of the Earth, composed of the crust and uppermost part of the mantle, which interacts with mantle plumes.

Hotspot: A volcanic region thought to be fed by underlying mantle that is anomalously hot compared to surrounding areas, often associated with plume tails.