What is a hotspot?

A hotspot is defined as an area where magma rises from deep within the Earth, creating volcanic activity at the surface. This phenomenon can occur independently of tectonic plate boundaries. Hotspots are often associated with a plume of hot material rising from the mantle, which can lead to the formation of volcanoes as the magma breaks through the Earth's crust.

For example, the Hawaiian Islands were formed by a hotspot located in the middle of the Pacific Plate, where the movement of the plate over the stationary hotspot resulted in a chain of volcanic islands. This underscores why the correct answer highlights the characteristic of magma rising from deep within the Earth, distinguishing it from other geological features and processes.

Other options do not fit the definition of a hotspot; they refer to different geological concepts such as tectonic plate boundaries, areas lacking volcanic activity, or seismic wave generation, which do not accurately describe the unique nature of hotspots.