Long-wavelength gravity anomalies and intraplate seismicity

Anomalously high mid-plate and Mid-Oceanic Ridge seismicity apparently characterizes the flanks of the regional free-air gravity and topographic high roughly centered on the postulated Iceland hot spot; anomalously high mid-plate seismicity also occurs around the deep free-air gravity low centered just south of India. Although the correlation between gravity and seismicity is still somewhat inconclusive, it seems to suggest active asthenosphere flow associated with the regional gravity anomalies. Added to other stresses in the plate, the stress transmitted to the plate by this flow would encourage its fracture.