Artist's View of Mantle Plumes (IMAGE) European Synchrotron Radiation Facility Caption This is an illustration showing how the mantle plumes can be emitted from the core-mantle boundary region to reach the Earth's crust. Due to the lateral displacement of the tectonic plates at the surface, the mantle plumes can create a series of aligned hot spot volcanoes. A mid ocean ridge and a subducted plate are also shown. Credit ESRF/Denis Andrault/Henri Samuel Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.