Illustration(Freepik)
SCIENTISTS, recently, made a spectacular discovery that could shake our understanding of the history of Planet Earth. Beneath the Pacific Ocean, they discovered the remains of an ancient seabed that had been lost for millions of years. This discovery, believed to be part of ancient plate tectonics, opens up the opportunity to rewrite the history books of Earth as we know it.
According to researchers, this seabed probably came from a large plate that broke away and sank into the bowels of the Earth around 250 million years ago.
The discovery challenges long-standing theories about how Earth’s interior structure works and provides new insights into the evolution of the planet’s surface over very long geological timescales.
Jingchuan Wang, a postdoctoral geology researcher at the University of Maryland, explained, “Our discovery opens up many new questions about how the Earth’s interior influences what we see on the surface, over vast distances and time.”
One of the most surprising findings of the study is the existence of a thick, cold zone that stretches 1,200 miles long and is 12 miles thick within the “mantle transition zone,” the region that separates the upper mantle from the lower mantle.
Interestingly, this ancient seabed was found on the East Pacific Rise, a tectonic boundary located at the bottom of the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Wang and his team call these thick zones trace fossils from the sea floor that was subducted into the Earth.
Typically, when oceanic plates dive into the Earth’s mantle, they eventually disintegrate without leaving a trace. However, the results of this research show that some plates remain “trapped” inside the Earth, influencing the structure of the Earth’s interior for hundreds of millions of years.
Even more interesting, this research shows that subducted material moves much more slowly than previously thought.
“We found that the material sank at half the rate we expected,” Wang said.
This discovery suggests that the mantle transition zone could be a barrier that slows the movement of material within the Earth, ultimately changing the way we understand plate tectonics.
Additionally, the discovery also provides new insight into the Pacific Large Low Shear Velocity Province, a mysterious region in Earth’s lower mantle where seismic waves move more slowly.
The strange structure of the Pacific’s Great Low Shear Velocity Province has puzzled scientists for years. Now, however, Wang’s research indicates that the ancient sea floor may have broken up the Pacific Large Low Shear Velocity Province as it fell into the mantle, explaining the strange shape of the province.
To make this discovery, the research team used seismic imaging, a technique similar to CT scanning of the human body.
Seismic waves moving through the Earth’s layers provide data that allows researchers to create detailed maps of structures hidden deep in the Earth’s mantle.
This missing seabed is thought to be part of the Phoenix plate, an ancient tectonic plate that once dominated the Pacific Ocean before sinking beneath other plates.
When the Phoenix plate sinks, it carries cold material into the hot mantle, leaving a thermal signature that Wang and his team can detect.
This research opens the door to digging deeper into subduction zones and ancient upwelling, and their impact on the structure of the Earth’s surface.
Wang believes that this discovery is just the beginning. “We believe there are many other ancient structures waiting to be discovered in the depths of the Earth.”
Each of these findings has the potential to reveal new secrets about Earth’s complex past and provide a deeper understanding of our planet and perhaps even other planets out there. (dailymail/Z-1)
SCIENTISTS UNLOCK ANCIENT SEABED, COULD WE REWRITE EARTH’S HISTORY?
In a revelation that could make even the biggest conspiracy theorists take notes, scientists recently stumbled upon the remains of an ancient seabed lurking beneath the Pacific Ocean. That’s right folks, while we’ve been glued to the latest Netflix series about true crime, some dedicated researchers were busy rewriting history—with a plot twist nobody saw coming!
A Glimpse into Earth’s Past
Imagine this: an ancient plate that got so tired of the surface drama that it decided to break away and take a trip to the depths of the Earth. Apparently, around 250 million years ago, this particular plate thought it was “under the weather”—and well, down it went, disappearing like your last slice of pizza at a party!
This astonishing find challenges our long-held beliefs about the Earth’s interior. As Jingchuan Wang, a postdoctoral geology researcher at the University of Maryland, put it, “Our discovery opens up many new questions about how the Earth’s interior influences what we see on the surface, over vast distances and time.” It’s like finding out your quiet uncle has a side gig as a rock star!
More Than Just a Stuck Plate
What’s even more mind-boggling is that this seabed isn’t just any old hunk of rock. This ancient piece of Earth was found on the East Pacific Rise—imagine a tectonic boundary that’s the equivalent of a cosmic traffic jam, just without the honking. It’s like Earth’s way of saying, “Hey! You think you can escape? Think again!”
Wang and his team dubbed these uncovered thick zones as trace fossils. We’re talking about a thick, cold zone stretching 1,200 miles long and a staggering 12 miles thick! What do you mean, “cold”? The only cold thing I want to hear about is my ex’s heart! But here, it demonstrates how some oceanic plates, rather than gracefully disintegrating like your will to work out in December, remain trapped inside the Earth. These guys have been going nowhere for over 250 million years—like those old photos you can’t quite bring yourself to delete!
Mantle Mysteries
What’s even more fascinating? This research shows that subducted material moves *much* slower than anyone anticipated. Wang casually mentions, “We found that the material sank at half the rate we expected.” That’s right, folks—while you were rushing off to brunch, this seabed was sinking at a leisurely pace. Talk about taking the scenic route!
In addition, this groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the Pacific Large Low Shear Velocity Province—a region so mysterious it sounds like the title of an indie film. It’s where seismic waves move slower than a dial-up connection from the ’90s, and now we might finally have an explanation for that oddity, thanks to ancient sea floors breaking down into the mantle. Just when you think you understand your Earth, it throws a curveball!
The Seismic Scoop
To uncover this sleeper hit of an ancient seabed, the research team employed seismic imaging—a technique akin to CT scanning. Yes, you read that right! Earth is basically getting its own medical check-up, and let me tell you, it’s a detailed diagnostic! Researchers created maps of structures deep within the Earth’s layers—impressive when you think about how we still can’t find the TV remote most days!
The Phoenix Plate, Rising from the Ashes
This long-lost seabed is believed to be associated with the Phoenix plate. Ever heard of it? Nope, me neither! But apparently, it was a big player in the Pacific Ocean before it sank, dragging cold materials into the hot mantle like a bad recipe gone wrong. It’s leaving behind thermal signatures that Wang and company can detect—talk about making an entrance you can’t forget!
In his exuberance, Wang believes this discovery is just the tip of the iceberg! “We believe there are many other ancient structures waiting to be discovered in the depths of the Earth,” he says. Just like my childhood dreams of making it big as a professional napper—always waiting just out of reach. My friends, it seems Earth has many more secrets to unveil—if we can just coax them out without the awkward “let’s just be friends” chat!
So, as we continue our mundane existence here on the surface, remember: beneath our feet, a whole new world of intrigue and ancient history waits to be explored. Who knew geology could be so dramatic? Or, should we say, *tectoni-Drama*?