Spatial and temporal variability in Hawaiian hotspot volcanism induced by small-scale convection

be explained by the classical mantle plume concept. Here we present a numerical model of mantle plume upwelling beneath Hawaii. We find that small-scale convection in the ambient mantle can erode the base of the lithosphere, creating a washboard topography on the underside of the plate. As the plate migrates over the upwelling plume, the plume interacts with alternating thicker and thinner sections of lithosphere to generate temporal variations...