Lithospheric heating by mantle plumes

Abstract

Summary. A broad topographic swell is associated with the Hawaiian hotspot. A kinematic model is developed assuming that downstream of the hotspot this swell is produced by lithospheric heating by a mantle plume. Material from the model plume flows radially in the asthenosphere and eventually heats the lower lithosphere. Upstream from the hotspot, the model swell owes its existence mainly to hot material at asthenospheric depths. The model predicts extensive lithospheric heating downstream from the hotspot. Interpreted data to tell if the lower lithosphere behaves in this way are lacking.