A mantle plume is a column of hot, solid material that rises from deep within the Earth's mantle to the surface. These plumes are thought to originate near the boundary between the mantle and the core, where temperatures are extremely high. As the plume ascends, it can cause volcanic activity and create features like hotspots, which are areas of intense volcanic activity not associated with tectonic plate boundaries. When a mantle plume reaches the Earth's surface, it can lead to the formation of large volcanic islands or chains, such as the Hawaiian Islands. The heat from the plume melts surrounding rock, resulting in magma that can erupt as lava. Over time, repeated eruptions can build up significant landforms, contributing to our understanding of geological processes and the dynamics of the Earth's interior.