Question

What role are mantle plumes thought to play in the convective flow in the mantle?

A. Mantle plumes are not related to convective flow in the mantle.
B. Mantle plumes disrupt the convective flow.
C. Mantle plumes create convection cells in the mantle.
D. Mantle plumes act as barriers to convective flow.

Answer 1

Mantle plumes create convection cells in the mantle, contributing to the convective flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mantle plumes are thought to play a role in the convective flow in the mantle by creating convection cells. These convection cells are regions of increased temperature that can cause melting of the lithospheric region. With the movement of tectonic plates over these plumes, hotspot-generated volcanoes can be found anywhere in the world.