Scientists have recently unveiled the mystery of two hidden mountains, rising to 620 miles (1,000 km) beneath the surface, defying the height of Everest by a factor of 100. Known as the “Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces” (LLSVPs), these formations, identified using seismic analysis, could date back more than 4 billion years. Located beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean, they suggest a new perspective on the Earth’s geological history.
The key information
- Discovery of two hidden mountains beneath the Earth’s surface, exceeding 100 times the height of Everest.
- These formations, known as LLSVPs, are located at a depth of 1,200 miles.
- Identified through the analysis of seismic waves, they could transform our geological understanding.
- These stable regions may provide unique insights into the history of the Earth and its dynamics.
DISCOVERY OF TWO HIDDEN MOUNTAINS
The planet Earth still holds many surprises for scientists. A recent discovery has highlighted the existence of two gigantic mountains, hidden 1,200 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, measuring nearly 620 miles, or about 1,000 km in height. These formations, known as Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs), have become the subject of numerous studies, challenging our understanding of the geological structures of the Earth.
ANALYSIS OF SEISMIC WAVES
These mountains were identified through the analysis of seismic waves generated by earthquakes. These waves provide crucial information about the composition and structure of the Earth’s various layers. By utilizing this advanced technology, researchers have been able to map these large formations, thus revealing aspects of the Earth’s mantle that were previously inaccessible to study.
LOCATED UNDER AFRICA AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN
The LLSVPs are located beneath key geological regions, including Africa and the Pacific Ocean. Their existence challenges current conceptions of our planet’s geological history. These buried mountains may be remnants of ancient tectonic plates that have undergone subduction, altering our perception of plate movements over millions of years.
HISTORICAL INSIGHTS
These giant formations could offer insights into the geological history of the Earth, potentially being stable for over 4 billion years. Their presence calls into question the idea of a constantly dynamic mantle, suggesting the existence of stable zones that may resist geological erosion. This could also have implications for our understanding of mantle convection processes.
MANTLE DYNAMICS
The recently discovered mountains are not only more massive than Everest, but they are also hotter than the surrounding environment. This thermal anomaly complicates mantle dynamics, suggesting that these regions could influence other geological processes, such as volcanoes and earthquakes above them. This discovery underscores the importance of exploring these depths to better understand the underlying mechanisms that govern our planet.
ADVANCED SEISMIC TECHNOLOGY
This discovery also highlights the capabilities of advanced seismic technology, which continues to reveal new secrets from the Earth’s depths. While Everest remains the tallest mountain above sea level, these hidden giants remind us that, despite its grandeur, our understanding of the Earth is still incomplete. Researchers hope that future investigations will lead to greater knowledge about these structures, thereby enriching our understanding of the formation and evolution of our planet.
