In a breakthrough that reshapes our understanding of Earth's geological history, researchers from Cambridge University have uncovered the mechanism behind a vast volcanic phenomenon that once spanned thousands of kilometers across the North Atlantic. The mystery centered on how the Icelandic mantle plume, a deep source of volcanic heat, managed to spread so widely across tectonic plates millions of years ago.
Using advanced seismic imaging and plate reconstruction models, scientists discovered that thin, weak zones in Earth’s lithosphere acted as conduits, allowing the plume to extend far beyond its origin. These ancient scars in the planet’s crust—formed during earlier tectonic shifts—created pathways for magma to travel, igniting volcanic activity across regions that are now part of Greenland, the British Isles, and parts of Scandinavia.
This revelation not only explains the unusual distribution of volcanic rock in the North Atlantic but also provides new insights into how mantle plumes interact with tectonic boundaries. The findings could help geologists better predict volcanic behavior in other plume-affected regions, such as Hawaii and Réunion.
Beyond its scientific significance, the study highlights the dynamic nature of Earth’s interior and the long-term impact of geological processes on surface landscapes. What was once a puzzle buried beneath layers of rock and time has now become a key to understanding the forces that shape continents.