Origin of hotspots in the South Pacific: Recent advances in seismological and geochemical models

Chemical Geodynamics Insights From a Machine Learning Approach

“…Volcanism in the SW Pacific region has therefore often been related to several small upper mantle upwellings rising from a deep, broad mantle root zone (Cadio et al., 2011; Chauvel et al., 2012; Davaille, 1999; Davaille et al., 2005; Konter et al., 2008; Koppers et al., 2003; McNamara and Zhong, 2004; Suetsugu and Hanyu, 2013). In this scenario, short, systematic age progressions along the same vector as plate motion would be expected (Ballmer et al., 2009, 2010), but are not always observed (see above).…”

Simplifying Age Progressions within the Cook‐Austral Islands using ARGUS‐VI High‐Resolution 40Ar/39Ar Incremental Heating Ages

“…The area has been termed the “hot spot highway” due to the presence of multiple partially overlapping hot spot tracks and several sites of active volcanism in a relatively small geographic region (Jackson et al, ). This dense concentration of volcanic activity, along with seismic tomographic imaging and anomalously shallow seafloor depths, has been interpreted to indicate the presence of a large thermochemical anomaly in this region (Larson, ; McNutt, ; Suetsugu & Hanyu, ). In one model, this “Superswell” is presumed to originate above a “Superplume” originating in the deep mantle and ponding at mid‐mantle depths, where it creates an instable boundary layer from which multiple small plumes can arise that then create short‐lived secondary hot spot trails (Courtillot et al, ; Koppers et al, ).…”

“…The two projections for Rarotonga represent two potential hot spot locations for this chain. in this region (Larson, 1991;McNutt, 1998;Suetsugu & Hanyu, 2013). In one model, this "Superswell" is presumed to originate above a "Superplume" originating in the deep mantle and ponding at mid-mantle depths, where it creates an instable boundary layer from which multiple small plumes can arise that then create short-lived secondary hot spot trails (Courtillot et al, 2003;Koppers et al, 2003).…”

The Manihiki Plateau—a key to missing hotspot tracks?

“…Various tomographic, geochemical, petrological and geodynamic studies have been carried out (e.g. Binard et al 1993;Gaboret et al 2003;Barruol et al 2009;Suetsugu et al 2009;Tanaka et al 2009a,b;Adam et al 2010;Suetsugu & Hanyu 2013); however, a uniform, straight forward and complete model has remained elusive. Still under discussions are explanations for track bends of different orientations and ages seen for different hotspot tracks, such as the Hawaiian Hotspot bend (47 Ma; Sharp & Clague 2006) vs the Marshall-Gilbert Hotspot bend (67 Ma) and Tokelau seamount bend (57 Ma; Koppers & Staudigel 2005;Koppers et al 2007).…”