Two hidden mountains, over 100 times higher than Mount Everest, were discovered deep below the surface of the Earth. These colossal formations reshaped the understanding of the interior secrets of the planet.
Mount Everest Photo: Adevărul 9arhive)
Scientists have identified two huge mountains hidden deep below the surface of the Earth, each with an extraordinary height of 1,000 kilometers, over 100 times higher than Mount Everest.
These massive formations, discovered at a depth of 1,000 km below the surface of the Earth, test us to understand the geological processes of the planet and its ancient past. Revolutionary literally research has recently been published in Nature magazine, writes dailygalaxy.com.
A seismic revelation
The colossal mountains, known as the provinces with low seismic speed (LLSVP), were discovered by the analysis of the seismic waves generated by strong earthquakes.
These where, while traveling through the inside of the Earth, they slow down when they pass through different densities of the materials. By carefully studying these seismic signals, scientists have detected the presence of these gigantic structures under the surface of the earth.
Located under Africa and the Pacific Ocean, LLSVPS eclipses Mount Everest, whose peak rises only 8 km above sea level. These hidden mountains are not only tall – they are made of dense, ancient material, giving the researchers a look in the early geological history of the Earth.
The discovery of the ancient secrets of the Earth
Scientists believe that LLSVPS could be remnants of old tectonic plates that sank deep into the billion years ago. This process, known as the subduction, involves the sinking of the tectonic plates below the other, transporting material from the surface of the soil inside it.
The discovery suggests that the Earth’s mantle contains stable structures that could be over 4 billion years – much more than most of the geological formations that are believed to exist.
The presence of these ancient mountains offers new perspectives on the evolution of our planet, challenging the previous hypotheses regarding the mantle, which is constantly changing. Rather than a fluid, constantly moving layer, some parts of the mantle could be much more stable than we ever imagined.
Rethink the mantle
The discovery of these massive formations shakes the existing theories regarding the internal structure of the Earth. For years, scientists have assumed that the mantle is a dynamic layer of the planet, constantly evolving, through which heat and matter circulate.
However, the discovery of LLSVPS, which are older and more stable than the material around the mantle, raises the possibility that certain parts of the mantle remain unchanged for billions of years.
In addition, these structures are not only larger than expected, but also hotter than their surroundings, which complicates our understanding of the dynamics of the mantle.
The researchers now explore the idea that these stable regions could provide important clues about the geological past of the Earth, including the forces that have shaped its surface and deep processes that continue to influence the planet.
What follows: revealing the hidden depths of the earth
The discovery of these underground giants opens new borders in exploring the depths of the earth. As the technology improves, scientists are optimistic that several hidden features of the planet will be revealed, giving new perspectives on the forces that modeled our world.
Due to the progress in the field of seismic imaging, there is hope that under our feet there are more secrets, giving indications about the beginnings of the earth and how it has evolved to become the planet we live today.
While these massive structures remain far from the reach of man, their discovery reminds us of the mysteries that are still under us, giving a new perspective on how we understand the deep interior of the Earth.
Mount Everest can continue to be the highest mountain on the surface, but in the depths of our planet there are the true giants of the Earth – hidden and far beyond our ability to climb.
