They may be formed from irregularities on the surface of the outer core, analogous to mountain ranges on the Earth's surface, and the Galapagos, Pitcairn and Easter Island were all a result of their activity.
This common geological phenomenon is suspected by some to have been a cause of the breakup of Pangaea into Laurasia and Gondwanaland, and some even say they may have played in a major role in the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period. They may be formed from irregularities on the surface of the outer core, analogous to mountain ranges on the Earth's surface, and the Galapagos, Pitcairn and Easter Island were all a result of their activity. Often used to track the movement of tectonic plates, these are, FTP, what stationary columns of lava rising from the mantle, responsible for the creation of the Hawaiian islands.
This common geological phenomenon is suspected by some to have been a cause of the breakup of Pangaea into Laurasia and Gondwanaland, and some even say they may have played in a major role in the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period.
mantle plumes or hot spots