Mountains 100 Times Taller Than the Himalayas Hidden Beneath the Earth ⛰️
Geological research has confirmed the existence of gigantic rock mountains hidden deep beneath the Earth's surface. These mountains, located 2,000 kilometers underground, are part of two massive rocky "islands" buried within the Earth's mantle—a layer beneath the crust. One lies beneath Africa, and the other under the Pacific Ocean.
How Tall Are They?
The mountains are 1,000 kilometers (1 million meters) tall, dwarfing Mount Everest's height of 8,800 meters by 100 times! 🏔️ However, their height extends downward rather than above the surface, making them one of Earth's most enigmatic features.
What Are These Mountains? 🔍
- These formations, referred to as Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs), consist of dense, hot rocks resting above the Earth's core.
- They are over a billion years old and are surrounded by a "graveyard" of cold, sunken rock plates—remnants of ancient tectonic activity.
What Makes Them Unique? 💡
- Seismic Waves: Scientists first detected these regions because seismic waves from earthquakes slow down when passing through them. This suggested the presence of a distinct type of material in these areas.
- Viscosity: The rocky islands are extremely hot and highly viscous, which means they hardly move and have likely remained stationary for billions of years.
- Mystery of Origin: Researchers speculate they might be remnants from the Earth's formation or products of unique geological processes.
Why Does It Matter? 🌋
These massive "mantle plumes" are believed to fuel volcanic eruptions on the Earth's surface by channeling hot, liquid rock upward. Understanding them offers valuable insights into the Earth’s structure, history, and tectonic dynamics.
Final Thoughts 🌌
These colossal, hidden mountains challenge our understanding of Earth’s inner workings and offer a glimpse into the planet’s ancient past. The more we explore, the more secrets we uncover beneath our feet! 🔎
Sources & References:
- Nature Magazine – "Giant Mountains Beneath Earth’s Surface," Nature
- Times of London – "The Discovery of Earth’s Hidden Islands," The Times
- Arwen Deuss, Utrecht University – Insights into Seismic Waves and Mantle Dynamics, Utrecht University Research
- Sujania Talavera-Soza, Utrecht University – The Role of LLSVPs in Earth's Tectonics, Utrecht University Research
