About 90% of the Earth’s volcanism is associated with convergent or divergent plate boundaries and can thus be satisfactorily explained by the plate tectonics theory. However, the origin of anomalous volcanism within both continental and oceanic plate interiors (i.e. intraplate volcanism) as well as regions of excessive magmatism along ridges (e.g. Iceland) is not directly related to plate boundary processes, such as subduction or ridge extension. This enigmatic volcanism was initially attributed to the presence of mantle plumes, but in recent years a variety of models have been developed to explain its origins (e.g. edge-driven convection, sublithospheric drainage, etc.). Improvements in instrumentation, numerical modelling, and the temporal and spatial resolution of data have allowed us to better understand mantle dynamics and the Earth’s interior. Re-evaluation, refinement, and creation of new models for the origin of intraplate/anomalous magmatism have also provided better insights on deep mantle processes and shed light on the complex interactions between the Earth’s asthenosphere, lithosphere, and surface. Understanding what triggers magmatism unrelated to plate boundary processes is critical in understanding the evolution of Earth’s mantle, especially in times before the initiation of plate tectonics and when supercontinents dominated. With the rise of space exploration and the development of spacecraft data analysis, this knowledge is also crucial to the understanding of magmatism on other planetary bodies in the solar system and beyond. This session aims to facilitate new understandings of intraplate and anomalous magmatism by bringing together diverse ideas, observations, and approaches from researchers around the globe.
We therefore welcome contributions dealing with the origins and evolution of intraplate or anomalous magmatism using a variety of approaches and techniques to tackle outstanding questions from any field, including: petrology, geochemistry, geochronology, isotope geochemistry, geophysics, geodynamics, seismology, and more. This session brings together scientists from any and all backgrounds who work on intraplate/anomalous magmatism using any approach, enhancing discussion and collaboration between disciplines.