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Explain the life process of a hotspot.

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Mantle Plume Formation: Hotspots originate deep within the Earth’s mantle, where a rising column of extremely hot and buoyant mantle material forms a plume. The cause of these plumes isn’t entirely clear but is often associated with upwelling of hot material from the core-mantle boundary.
2. Formation of Volcanic Islands or Features: As the mantle plume reaches the Earth’s surface, it melts the overlying crust, leading to the formation of volcanic eruptions. Initially, the hotspot may create an active volcano, and as the tectonic plate moves over the hotspot due to plate motion, it creates a chain of volcanic islands. Classic examples include the Hawaiian Islands, where the Pacific Plate moves over the stationary hotspot, resulting in a chain of islands of varying ages.
3. Island Migration: Over millions of years, tectonic plate movement causes the older islands or volcanic features to move away from the hotspot. As this happens, new volcanic activity occurs at the hotspot, forming new islands or features. Consequently, a trail or chain of islands of varying ages forms, with the youngest island closest to the hotspot.
4. Hotspot Weakening or Extinction: Eventually, hotspots may weaken or become extinct due to changes in mantle plume activity or shifts in tectonic plate movements. As a result, volcanic activity ceases, and the hotspot becomes dor
User Saurabh Verma
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Final answer:

A hotspot in biology can refer to a biodiversity hotspot, which is a geographical area containing a high number of unique species. It can also refer to disease hotspots, which are specific locations where diseases are concentrated. Hotspot analysis is also used in criminology to identify patterns of criminal behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

A hotspot in the context of biology can refer to two different concepts. Firstly, it can refer to a biodiversity hotspot, which is a geographical area that contains a high number of species unique to that area. These hotspots are important for conservation efforts as they protect a large number of endemic species. Secondly, a disease hotspot refers to a specific location where a disease is more prevalent or concentrated, such as a site of grain storage for the plague. Hotspot analysis is also used in the field of criminology to identify patterns of criminal behavior.

User Kurt McKee
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