Scientists have discovered ancient underground ‘mountains’ in the Earth’s core that are five times taller than Mount Everest
A new study has revealed an ancient layer located between the Earth’s core and mantle, which could be “five times taller than Mount Everest.”
Since Mount Everest is famous for being the tallest peak in the world, at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level, these results are astonishing.
Just imagine what we were all walking over without realizing it?!
But now, thanks to a discovery by scientists who were part of a University of Alabama study published in the journal Science advances In April, we know that there is a thin but dense layer located about 2,900 kilometers below the surface at the core mantle boundary. This is where rocks meet our planet’s molten outer core.
New data suggests that this layer of ancient ocean floor was submerged underground long ago as Earth shifted positions, creating an ultra-low-velocity zone (or ULVZ) that is denser than the rest of the deep mantle and thus slows the seismic waves that resonate. Under it. Surface.
The University of Alabama press release reads: “Through global-scale seismic imaging of the Earth’s interior, research conducted by the University of Alabama has revealed a layer between the core and mantle that is likely a dense, but thin, sinking ocean floor, according to results published today.” In Science Advances.”
Geologist Samantha Hansen, from the University of Alabama, said: “Seismic investigations, such as ours, provide a high-resolution depiction of the internal structure of our planet, and we have found that this structure is vastly more complex than we previously thought.
“Our research provides important links between Earth’s shallow and deep structure and the comprehensive processes that drive our planet.”
Hansen and the rest of the team conducted research from 15 different stations located in Antarctica using seismic waves generated by earthquakes to create a map of what the Earth’s interior looks like.
The team detected the unexpected energy within seconds of a wave reflecting off the boundary from seismic data. Because of the properties of the ULVZ, scientists believe the layer could have large variations in elevation.
“The thickness of the material ranges from a few kilometers to (tens of) kilometers,” said geophysicist Edward Garnero of Arizona State University. “This indicates that we see mountains in the core of the Earth, which in some places are five times higher than Mount Everest.” “
These underground mountains can play a huge role in how heat escapes from the Earth’s interior and fuels magnetic fields as well as volcanic eruptions.
The team’s study suggests that this layer could cover the entire core of the Earth, but more research will need to be done to find out if this is the case.
There’s only one way to celebrate these impressive results. Alexa, play “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.
(tags for translation) Science
