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Magma Plumes (AQA A Level Geography)

Revision Note

Rhiannon Molyneux

Written by: Rhiannon Molyneux

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Hot Spots

  • Hot spots form around the core of the Earth where radioactive decay is concentrated

  • This extreme heat creates magma plumes

    • These are upwellings of superheated rock that rise from deep within the Earth’s mantle towards the surface

    • They can break through the middle of a tectonic plate to reach the surface causing volcanic activity and earthquakes far away from plate margins

Island Chains

  • Hot spots and magma plumes can lead to the creation of island chains such as Hawaii

  • The magma plume is stationary so when the tectonic plate moves over it, a chain of volcanoes is formed

  • The volcanoes are active when they are above the magma plume, but become extinct as the plate moves away

  • The oldest island is the one furthest away from the plume

hot-spot-intraplate-volcano
Hot spot

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Rhiannon Molyneux

    Author: Rhiannon Molyneux

    Expertise: Geography Content Creator

    Rhiannon graduated from Oxford University with a BA in Geography before training as a teacher. She is enthusiastic about her subject and enjoys supporting students to reach their full potential. She has now been teaching for over 15 years, more recently specialising at A level. Rhiannon has many years of experience working as an examiner for GCSE, IGCSE and A level Geography, so she knows how to help students achieve exam success.

    Bridgette Barrett

    Author: Bridgette Barrett

    Expertise: Geography Lead

    After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.