Hotspots are produced by mantle plumes that are composed of mafic magma;however,Yellowstone is a hotspot that erupts more explosively because the hotspot ________.
A)is hotter and thus melts more rock
B)rises through the continental crust
C)originates at the core-mantle boundary
D)rises through a mid-ocean ridge

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Yellowstone's hotspot rises through the thick continental crust, which causes the magma to interact with the overlying rock and produce explosive eruptions. Most hotspots are located beneath oceanic crust, which is thinner and less viscous, leading to less explosive eruptions. The temperature of the hotspot magma is not significantly different from other hotspots, so choice A is incorrect. There is no evidence that Yellowstone's hotspot originates at the core-mantle boundary, so choice C is incorrect. Finally, Yellowstone's hotspot is not associated with a mid-ocean ridge, so choice D is incorrect.

Hotspots Are Produced by Mantle Plumes That Are Composed of Mafic