Eruptions

[Henryn]

Are volcanic eruptions confined to areas where the Earth's plates meet?

[Sensei]

Although most volcanos are at plate boundries, the Hawaiian Islands, which are closer to the center of a plate, are all volcanic. They are the result of 'hotspots', which are localised regions of high heat in the mantle. The plate moves across the hotspot and forms the islands. The islands furthest away from the hotspot are the oldest. There are many other hotspots, but the Hawaiian Islands are the best known.