According to the model proposed by geophysicist J.Tuzo Wilson,hot spots are caused by
A) friction due to the lithosphere sliding atop the asthenosphere.
B) unusually dense concentrations of radioactive isotopes at various points in the crust.
C) hot plumes of mantle material that rise up through cooler,denser surrounding rock.
D) zones of localized subduction that produce melting of the mantle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the model proposed by geophysicist J.Tuzo Wilson, hot spots are caused by hot plumes of mantle material that rise up through cooler, denser surrounding rock. These plumes of magma cause volcanic activity at the Earth's surface which leads to the formation of hot spots. Option A is incorrect because friction due to the lithosphere sliding atop the asthenosphere doesn't explain the origin of hot spots. Option B is incorrect because the presence of radioactive isotopes does not lead to the formation of hot spots. Option D is incorrect because zones of localized subduction do not produce melting of the mantle, instead, they result in the formation of volcanoes and island arcs.

According to the Model Proposed by Geophysicist J