Hot Spots and Large Igneous Provinces

This chapter examines the tectonic geomorphology of hot spot volcanism and specifically oceanic hot spot volcanism. The best way to explain and understand volcanic edifices development above hot spots is by using nested scales: starting from a large overview to progressively more and more detailed scales. The construction of hot spot volcanic chains and the identification of morphologies from the deep sea floor to volcano summits are considered in detail. Mechanisms of construction, evolution, and dismantling of volcanic edifices are examined with descriptions using well-known examples and models. Limitations and imperfections within models for hot spot volcanism are mainly related to the specific context and scale, and to magmatology. At the oceanic scale, the models are influenced by the geodynamic context (plate motion and proximity of a subduction or an accretion zone). At the volcanic edifice scale, the models are constrained by the history of the volcano development, for example, cones superimpositions, proximity of fractures, zone of weakness, stress field, major mass wasting, and rift zones.