Hot spots can occur
A) only within continental plates.
B) only within oceanic plates.
C) within either continental or oceanic plates.
D) only on plate boundaries.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hot spots can occur within either continental or oceanic plates. A hot spot is an area of volcanic activity that occurs when a mantle plume, or column of hot material, rises from deep within the Earth to the surface. The location of the hot spot remains relatively fixed while the plate above it moves, creating a chain of volcanic islands or seamounts. Some of the most famous hot spots are the Hawaiian Islands, which are located on the Pacific Plate, and Yellowstone National Park, which is located on the North American Plate.

Hot Spots Can Occur