S (the synodic period) = 360 / (360/ P - 360/365.256) days. S (the synodic period) = 360 / (360/365.256 - 360/ P) days. A diagram showing the relationship between orbital size and synodic periods. As the planets move around the Sun they change their positions relative to each other.
Some geologists consider that mantle plumes are generated in the lower levels of the asthenosphere by the decay of concentrations of radioactive isotopes. However, many believe that they are generated at much deeper levels in the lower mantle, perhaps even at the boundary of the mantle with the outer core.
Mantle plumes emanating from the upper mantle may gush up through the lithosphere as hot spots. Mantle Plumes A mantle plume is an upwelling of superheated rock from the mantle. Mantle plumes are the likely cause of âhot spots,â volcanic regions not created by plate tectonics. As a mantle plume reaches the upper mantle, it melts into a diapir. This molten material heats the asthenosphere and lithosphere, triggering volcanic eruptions.