Category: Plate Tectonics

Geophysicists at ETH Zurich have uncovered surprising findings about the Earth’s mantle that challenge conventional plate tectonic theories. Using advanced seismic models, the researchers identified unexpected anomalies resembling submerged tectonic plates, located far from known subduction zones. These discoveries raise questions about the composition and dynamics of Earth’s interior and suggest the need to rethink …

Continue reading “Submerged tectonic plate anomalies discovered”

Caltech researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method to probe the deep structure of the Earth, particularly at the Mohorovičić discontinuity, known as the Moho. This method employs the advanced technology of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), akin to performing an ultrasound on the Earth. Their study, detailed in Science Advances, capitalizes on how seismic waves from …

Continue reading “Revolutionizing geophysics with DAS technology”

The Indian Ocean gravity hole, a unique geophysical anomaly, has intrigued scientists since its discovery in 1948 by Dutch geophysicist Felix Andries Vening Meinesz. Unlike typical gravitational phenomena, this gravity hole, officially known as the Indian Ocean geoid low (IOGL), repels rather than attracts surrounding materials, creating significant depressions in oceanic water levels. The most …

Continue reading “Exploring the mysteries of the Indian Ocean gravity hole”

Recent advancements in geoscience have unveiled groundbreaking insights into the Pacific plate tectonic activity, challenging the long-held belief that oceanic plates are rigid and unyielding as they traverse the Earth’s mantle.

A new study has shown that huge magma eruptions can initiate deeper below Earth’s surface than previously thought. Such flood basalt eruptions have caused many global climate changes and mass extinction events in the past. 

The plates of the Earth’s crust push against each other, causing mountains and volcanoes to form along the collision zones. But when modeling what exactly is happening inside the Earth, we are limited to indirect observation; for example, by performing pressure experiments on rocks from the Earth’s mantle or by analyzing seismic waves triggered by …

Continue reading “Grain size of mantle rocks affects tectonics”

For many hundreds of millions of years, Earth’s climate has warmed and cooled with natural fluctuations in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Over the past century, humans have increased CO2 levels to their highest in 2 million years, mostly by burning fossil fuels and causing ongoing global warming. 

A new study led by geophysicist Anne Hofmeister at Washington University proposes that imbalance forces and torques in the Earth-moon-sun system drive circulation of the whole mantle. 

According to new research, without an explosion in ocean life more than 2 billion years ago, many of Earth’s mountains might not have formed. 

The Earth’s surface is a collection of constantly moving tectonic plates, with new ones emerging as others are pulled down. This continuous cycle keeps our continents in motion and drives life on Earth.