Scientists have made a surprising discovery: two gigantic mountains lie deep within the Earth, each towering an incredible 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) high—more than 100 times the height of Mount Everest.
These massive structures, known as Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs), were uncovered 1,200 miles below the surface. Their existence challenges what we know about our planet’s geological activity and ancient history, as detailed in a recent article in the journal Nature.
So, how did scientists find these hidden giants? They analyzed seismic waves from strong earthquakes. These waves slow down when they encounter areas with different densities. By studying these changes, researchers detected the mountains beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean. Unlike Mount Everest, which peaks at just 5.5 miles above sea level, these underwater giants are not only taller but also composed of dense, ancient materials that provide insights into Earth’s geological past.
Experts believe these formations may be remnants of ancient tectonic plates that sank into the Earth’s mantle billions of years ago. This process, called subduction, happens when one tectonic plate dives beneath another, dragging surface materials deep into the mantle. The LLSVPs may have remained unchanged for over 4 billion years, far longer than most known geological features.
This discovery is significant. It suggests that parts of the mantle might be more stable than previously thought, contradicting theories that regard it as constantly shifting. Researchers now think these stable regions could reveal vital information about our planet’s early days and the forces that shaped its surface.
Interestingly, these mountains are also hotter than the mantle around them, adding another layer of complexity to our understanding of geological dynamics. The findings spark fresh discussions among scientists. They’re keen to learn more about how these ancient structures interact with other geological processes.
The implications of this discovery are profound. As technology, particularly seismic imaging, continues to advance, scientists are hopeful that they will uncover even more hidden features of the Earth’s interior. The quest to understand our planet’s deep secrets is far from over.
While Mount Everest reigns as the tallest mountain above sea level, it’s fascinating to think about the giants lurking beneath us, shaping the world in ways we are only beginning to understand.
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