Testing absolute plate reference frames and the implications for the generation of geodynamic mantle heterogeneity structure

► Mantle structure largely driven by changes in plate velocities and plate boundaries. ► Fixed hotspot model well correlated to seismic tomography at hemispheric wavelengths. ► Hybrid palaeomagnetic model well correlated to seismic tomography at slab wavelengths. ► Subduction reference frame useful for constructing models for times before 140 Ma. ► WK08 model of Pacific absolute motion better matched to seismic tomography than WHK06.