Hotspots

In this section I want to show you that mountains and mountain range similar structures can also appear in places where you wouldn't expect them to. You have seen so far that most mountain ranges form at convergent plate boundaries. But if we look at a world map we will also find mountains in the middle of tectonic plates. Those can't have arisen due to a convergent boundary.

• How then? For example through a hotspot.

Hotspots have a lot to do with volcanism. If you are interested in this topic you will be able to find enough information in the world wide web. I will illustrate the theme hotspot with the example of the Hawaiian Islands.

The volcanic phenomenon hotspot produces in – as always geologically spoken – very short time extreme amounts of magma. As soon as it reaches the earth's surface it is called lava. Scientists have found out that the magma of the hotspots can't come from the asthenosphere.

• Why?