This book presents a brief synopsis of the current academic understanding of the plume hypothesis, its surface manifestations and its shortcomings. It also describes methods for estimating the uplift history of a region due to plume activity. It discusses different models for the elastic properties of the lithosphere and their estimation as a background for plume emplacement, and introduces the plume hypothesis, describing the major plume types and their effect on the lithosphere. Two chapters are dedicated to the dynamic and permanent topography produced by an impinging plume head below the lithosphere and its estimation. It also presents the historical background of the plume hypothesis, its criticisms and alternatives.

Describes methods for estimating the uplift history of a region due to plume activity Presents methods that can be applied irrespective of the cause of hotspot activity Outlines the ongoing debate on the plume hypothesis Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

Introduction.- Elastic properties of the lithosphere.- Plumes and hotspots.- Dynamic crustal uplift due to plume activity.- Permanent crustal uplift due to plume activity.- Effects of plume related thermal anomaly.- Morphology of hotspots.- The great plume debate.