Mantle plumes drive massive volcanic activity during continental rifting
In short: Researchers using a model of mantle rifting found that thermal anomalies beneath the lithosphere can trigger immense volcanic activity. By simulating the stretching of continents above hot mantle plumes, the study demonstrated that even modest temperature increases can significantly multiply the amount of melt produced, leading to the formation of volcanic margins and vast flood basalts.
The study used a model to predict how varying amounts of lithospheric stretching and mantle temperatures affect melt generation. It found that a 100°C temperature increase above normal doubles melt production, while a 200°C increase can quadruple it. However, the findings are based on a theoretical model of mantle upwelling rather than direct real-time observation.
Why it matters: Mantle plumes are a primary driver for the massive volcanic provinces seen during the breakup of continents.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: White and McKenzie (1989). Magmatism at rift zones: The generation of volcanic continental margins and flood basalts. Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres.
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