Dutch Scientists Discover Two Ancient Mountains Far Taller Than Mount Everest
In a groundbreaking discovery, Dutch scientists have identified two colossal mountains deep within the Earth’s interior, dwarfing the height of Mount Everest. These subterranean giants, located at the boundary between the Earth’s core and mantle, may be billions of years old, challenging our understanding of the planet’s geological history.
The research, led by Dr. Arwen Deuss, a seismologist and professor at utrecht University, was published in the prestigious journal Nature. “No one knows what it is, and whether it is only a temporary phenomenon, or whether they have been there for millions or even billions of years,” Dr. Deuss explained.
The discovery of the Super Mountains
The two mountains, referred to as Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces (LLSVP), are located beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean. They are estimated to be 100 times taller than mount Everest, which stands at 8,849 meters. These structures are surrounded by a “large grave” of tectonic plates, formed through the process of subduction, where one plate slides beneath another and sinks into the Earth’s interior.
“This mountain is also surrounded by a ‘large grave’ of a tectonic plate that has shifted there because of the subduction process, which is when one tectonic plate swoops under the other plates and sinks from the surface of the earth to a depth of almost 3,000 km,” Dr. Deuss said.
Mapping the Earth’s Interior
Scientists have long known about these formations due to seismic waves generated by earthquakes. These waves travel through the Earth’s interior, revealing anomalies like the LLSVP.“We see seismic waves slowing there,” Dr. Deuss noted, describing how the waves behave when encountering these massive structures.
The research team discovered that these mountains are not only hotter than the surrounding tectonic plates but also potentially half a billion years older. This finding contradicts the previous assumption that the earth’s mantle is well-mixed and flows rapidly.
The Mystery of Seismic Wave Damping
One of the most intriguing aspects of the study is the behavior of seismic waves in these regions. Sujania talavera-Soza, a researcher involved in the study, explained, “In contrast to our expectations, we found a little damping on LLSVP, which made the tone sound very loud there. Though, we found a lot of damping in the grave of the cold plate, which made the tone sound very soft.”
Talavera-Soza likened this phenomenon to running in hot weather: “You not only slow down, but also become more tired than when cold weather outside.”
Implications for Earth’s Geological History
This discovery challenges existing theories about the Earth’s interior dynamics. The presence of these ancient mountains suggests that the mantle may be less fluid and more complex than previously thought.
| Key Findings | Details |
|——————-|————-|
| Location | Beneath Africa and the Pacific ocean |
| Height | 100 times taller than Mount Everest |
| Age | Potentially billions of years old |
| Seismic Behavior | Waves slow down and exhibit unique damping patterns |
A New Chapter in Earth science
The findings open up new avenues for understanding the Earth’s geological evolution. As Dr. Deuss and her team continue to analyze these structures, they hope to uncover more about the planet’s ancient past and the forces that shaped it.
For more insights into groundbreaking geological discoveries, explore the latest research from Utrecht University.
This discovery not only redefines our understanding of the Earth’s interior but also highlights the importance of seismic research in unraveling the mysteries of our planet.Stay tuned for more updates as scientists delve deeper into these ancient, towering giants.
