“1.5 Million km² of Earth’s Surface Buried by Magma: How Colossal Plumes Could Transform Our Future Continents” – The Valley Vanguard

Have you ever thought about what lies beneath the Earth’s surface? It’s not just about tectonic plates colliding; there’s a fascinating world of volcanic plumes at play. These massive, hot rocks deep within the Earth might redefine our continents in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

Volcanoes often form along tectonic plate boundaries, but recent studies reveal that deep plumes from the mantle can create volcanic activity far from these edges. These plumes, like the one beneath Réunion Island, have been responsible for major geological events throughout Earth’s history. For example, about 65 million years ago, the Deccan Traps in India erupted due to a gigantic plume that spread lava across 1.5 million square kilometers.

Recent research from seismologists has highlighted the complexity of these magma plumes. A study published in **Nature Geosciences** shows a massive plume rising with many branches reaching towards the Earth’s crust. This discovery suggests that magmatic plumes are not just unique but have individual histories that influence the landscape far more than we had thought.

In terms of current events, researchers have found unique mantle plumes under East Africa, particularly near Ethiopia and Kenya. These plumes are believed to have contributed to significant geological features and may still play a vital role in reshaping the continent.

Going back to the 1960s, the theory of plate tectonics explained many geological phenomena. But how do we account for isolated volcanic islands like Hawaii? John Tuzo Wilson introduced the idea of “hotspots” in 1963, explaining that these volcanoes arise as plates move over stationary plumes. Modern geologists support this view, noting that intraplate volcanoes, like those in Hawaii and Yellowstone, are likely fueled by these hot upwellings from deep within the Earth.

Interestingly, volcanic lavas from these hotspots contain helium-3, a rare isotope that offers clues about their origins. Even though we can’t see these plumes directly, data from seismic waves shows that they create elongated structures associated with volcanic activity.

Experts argue that these plumes are fundamental in shaping Earth’s geological history. For instance, African plumes may have contributed to the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana over 120 million years ago. If these plumes continue to exert their influence, they could eventually lead to split regions, making vast areas, including parts of South Africa, uninhabitable.

Some researchers think that by studying the core-mantle boundary, we might predict areas where oceans could form in the future. If the models are correct, plume-driven events could mark significant changes for our planet over tens of millions of years. The architects of our future continents might be hiding just below our feet, quietly planning their next geological transformations.

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