Volcanoes are generally found where two to three tectonic plates diverge or converge. The mid-oceanic ridges, like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, are typical examples of divergent tectonic plates where volcanoes are formed, whereas the Pacific Ring of Fire is a typical example of volcanic activity on convergent tectonic plates. Where two tectonic plates slide past one another (like the San Andreas fault) volcanic activity is generally not found.
Volcanic activity can also occur from mantle plumes, the so-called hotspots, which occur at locations far from plate boundaries; hotspot volcanoes are also found elsewhere in the solar system, especially on its rocky planets and moons. In July 2006, a new type of volcano was discovered,[1] which was called a petitspot, to accentuate the difference with volcanoes formed by mantle plumes.
2006-10-11 13:52:18
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answer #1
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answered by ottowafi 2
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A mountain with a hole in the top, that spews out lava.
2006-10-11 13:49:33
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answer #2
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answered by littleblondemohawk 6
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