Title:
How plume-ridge interaction shapes the distribution of volcanics in the oceans: Examples from Iceland, Réunion, Tristan and Kerguelen

Speaker: Dr. Bernhard Steinberger (University of Oslo)

Abstract:
In the classical view, hotspot tracks form as plates move across fixed mantle plumes. However, many tracks show features that cannot be explained with this simple picture. These include splitting into several parallel strands, gaps in tracks, connections to spreading ridges, and widespread simultaneous volcanism at certain times. We show here how many of those features can be explained if one considers the interaction of plumes with spreading ridges, large-scale mantle flow and a lithosphere of strongly varying thickness.