Convener: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hansen, Institut f. Geophysik, Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 24, 48149 Münster, Germany; Tel: +49-251-833-3592, Fax: +49-251-833-6100, E-mail: HANSEN@EARTH.UNI-MUENSTER.DE
The surface expression of hotspots are magma outpurings displaying a long-term spatial stability as compared to the plate motion. Mantle plumes are gennerally seen as the underlying cause for the hotspots. In this session we invite contributions from fluid-dynamical, seismological and geochemical studies reflecting recent ideas on the various aspects of hotspots and mantle plumes. Topics include: formation of boundary layer instabilites, deflection of mantle plumes in a large scale circulation, mantle plumes at phase (and/or) compositional boundaries, seismic imaging of hotspots and their roots, entrainment processes and geochemistry of mantle plumes.