The appearance of mantle plume hypothesis is a significant milestone
in the history of geodynamics research, which has been an important supplement
to the theory of plate tectonics. However, with the development of earth science,
debates on whether the mantle plume theory is credible has been more intense. Based
on the achievements of mantle plume research in geochemistry, geophysics and
geodynamic fields, this study summarizes 4 alternative geological models to substitute
the present mantle plume model. Meanwhile, the couplings between mantle plume
and hydrothermal activities in mid-ocean ridges and large low shear wave velocity
provinces provide a new way to research seafloor hydrothermal activity.