Hot spots from biomass burning indicated on a topographic map of Borneo Full description.

This site is part of the United States Geological Survey, Cascade Volcano Observatory web site. It provides general information about the theory of plate tectonics. It correlates specific landform types and physical processes with the types of plate boundaries where they occur. The explanation of each boundary type includes real world examples and links to United States Geological Survey web pages ... Full description.

This world map shows the major plates and plate boundaries, including such notables as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the San Andreas Fault, and the Java and Aleutian Trenches. The Pacific Ring of Fire is shown, including the Cascade Range. The location of major volcanoes is also depicted. A feature of this site is a black and white version that can be printed out for greater clarity. Full description.

This animation, listed as 2.10 in Chapter Two in the Essentials of Geology web page, shows how hot spot volcanoes arise. Users may access this and many other animations describing plate tectonic processes from the Chapter Two webpage. Users may also follow links to other chapters in the Essentials of Geology book. Full description.

This animation illustrates the formation of the islands of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. Users can stop, play, fast forward and rewind the animation at any time to stress important points. Full description.

This article discusses the idea of 'hot spot' volcanoes, those not associated with plate tectonic boundaries, but rather with relatively stationary sources of heat energy (thermal plumes) in the mantle. Topics include the development of the theory by Canadian geophysicist J. Tuzo Wilson; the mechanics of volcanism over a hot spot as seen in the Hawaiian Islands; ancient Hawaiian observations of the ... Full description.

This is an on-line article from the PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) Savage Earth Series. The article discusses plate tectonics with a focus on mantle convection, plate boundaries, hot spots, and the structure of the Earth. The article is illustrated and contains links to Shockwave animations. Each sidebar provides a summary of the respective topic and some supporting illustrations. Full description.

Since the Hawaiian Islands were all created by volcanic activity, it is somewhat surprising that only the island of Hawaii now possesses any active volcanoes. Why did the volcanoes that built the other islands stop erupting and why are those on the big island still active? This video segment, adapted from a NOVA television broadcast, shows how plumes of hot material rise from the Earth's interior ... Full description.

This site provides a broad suite of information and resources about "hot spots" and the current debate as to their existence. The site features technical tutorials and publications on a variety of mantle plume topics divided into four main categories: localities, mechanisms, generic, and other resources. The site also includes links to current news articles, information about conferences and meetings, ... Full description.

This lesson provides students with information about how islands are formed, including a basic knowledge of plate tectonics. Using the islands of Hawaii as an example, students learn about the earth processes that cause the formation of islands over time, including volcanoes and hot spots. Full description.