241 Petrology, Volcanology, and Mantle Plumes across the Solar System, Part I

This session focuses on recent advances in characterizing and quantifying volcanic processes throughout the Solar System in light of recent and upcoming missions to volcanically active worlds and resurgence in volcano science.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 214C

Impact of mantle plumes on plate tectonics and the surface environment

Paper number: 241-1
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:05 AM – 8:25 AM

Authors

  • Thorsten Becker Presenting Author
    Jackson School of Geoscience, The University of Texas at Austin, AUSTIN, TX

Abstract

Mantle plumes are localized hot upwellings that form naturally at thermal boundary layers, particularly at the base of the mantle. While plume dynamics are typically secondary to slab processes, their impacts on terrestrial planet evolution are significant. Plumes have likely caused most mass extinctions and may have initiated plate tectonics.

This study examines plume dynamics through geodynamic modeling, focusing on two key aspects. First, I explore plume-slab interactions, including a top-bottom-top feedback mechanism of boundary layer teleconnection that significantly modulates slab morphology. In extreme cases, plume head arrival at the surface can terminate subduction and create punctuated pauses in plate tectonics. Second, I examine regional tectonic case histories that demonstrate the importance of cross-scale mantle dynamics through plume-associated dynamic topography.

For the Tethyan collision and oceanic gateway closure, plumes may have influenced land bridge evolution, potentially affecting climate system changes and mammal migration between Africa and Eurasia.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412168

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