A GEOMETRIC TECHNIQUE FOR RELOCATING HOTSPOTS AND REFINING ABSOLUTE PLATE MOTIONS

An age-independent, geometric relationship is presented that links hot spots to the seamounts which they produce, and so permits the use of u ndated seamounts to refine the motion of tectonic plates. This techniq ue has the potential to rigorously assess hotspot fixity and to locate extinct hotspots. The present application of this method points to a recent change in Pacific plate motion, and suggests a relocation of th e Louisville hotspot to the Hollister ridge, south of the Eltanin frac ture zone.