Texas A&M University
2010-2011 Distinguished Lecturer
Changing Perspectives of Hotspots, Seamount Chains, and Ocean Plateaus

One of the previously accepted tenets of global tectonics is under scrutiny: the formation of hotspot volcanism. Plumes were once thought to have formed most seamount chains, but today it is thought that classic, deep-rooted mantle plumes are rare.

Dr. Sager will discuss a recent expedition to Shatsky Rise in the northwest Pacific to investigate hotspot formation. This seamount chain has some characteristics that fit the plume-head hypothesis and others that suggest its formation is linked to spreading ridges and a triple junction.He will discuss the expedition results, seamounts and plateaus of the Pacific, and his changing views on hotspots.

Dr. Sager has sailed on more than 40 oceanographic cruises, including eight expeditions with the ocean drilling programs.

October 14, 2010 – University of Florida
October 29, 2010 – Florida International University
April 25, 2010 – University of Montana Western
March 24, 2010 – Washington University
November 11, 2010 – University of Tennessee
January 13, 2011 – Brigham Young University
February 2, 2011 – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
March 16, 2011 – Aquarium of the Pacific