Mantle Plume Distribution and Concentration Analysis
Paper 405 of 511
Published June 1, 2026
Abstract
Mantle plume hypotheses have been proposed to explain numerous volcanic systems throughout Earth's history.
This paper evaluates plume distribution patterns through concentration, clustering, spacing, and persistence observations.
The objective is not to resolve plume debates.
The objective is to inventory distribution characteristics.
Candidate Observation Classes
- Volcanic clustering
- Regional concentration
- Hotspot persistence
- Spatial distribution
- Deep-source candidates
- Long-duration volcanic continuity
- Cross-basin relationships
- Planetary-scale patterning
Observational Question
Are mantle-related volcanic systems distributed randomly?
Or do concentrations emerge that deserve additional investigation?
Anomaly Principle
Concentrated distributions often reveal useful organizational patterns that may not be visible through isolated observations.