News Earth Hot spot deep beneath North America could have triggered quakes Mantle plume might have left trail of hot rock under continental US By Erin Wayman September 16, 2013 at 1:19 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print A hidden hot spot deep within the Earth could have set off seismic activity causing some earthquakes in the eastern United States. Researchers have discovered a track of hot rock at the base of the North American plate, stretching from Missouri to Virginia.