Oceanic plateaus form from basaltic volcanism that originates from what source?

Oceanic plateaus are large, flat regions of the ocean floor that are primarily composed of basalt, which is a type of volcanic rock. These plateaus typically form from substantial volcanic activities associated with hot spots.

Hot spots are locations in the Earth's mantle where plumes of hot material rise toward the surface, producing volcanic islands and plateaus as the tectonic plates move over them. The basaltic volcanism related to hot spots is characterized by the eruption of low-viscosity lava, which can spread out over wide areas, contributing to the formation of these extensive oceanic plateaus.

In contrast, mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, and continental shelves do not primarily source the basaltic volcanism responsible for oceanic plateaus. Mid-ocean ridges are mainly associated with sea-floor spreading and the creation of new oceanic crust rather than the volcanism that results in plateaus. Subduction zones are associated with volcanic arcs and the recycling of crust but do not form oceanic plateaus directly. Continental shelves are areas of land that don't typically undergo significant volcanic activity leading to the formation of oceanic plateaus.

Thus, the formation of oceanic plateaus is best linked to the hot spots that generate extensive basaltic lava