2023-07-08 08:00:14
Earth is still considered by many to be a planet with a perfect sphere, endowed with uniform gravity. However, this approach is wrong. Indeed, our planet exhibits some strange properties at given levels. As an illustration, there is a mysterious gravity hole in the Indian Ocean.
Pixabay Credits
Since its discovery, many scientists have sought to understand the cause of this phenomenon. Finally, it seems that this cause has finally been found. We tell you more here!
The force of gravitational attraction varies with the mass of the earth’s crust, mantle and core
You should already know that the force of gravitational attraction varies according to the mass of the earth’s crust, mantle and core. However, researchers encounter difficulties in applying this principle to this region of the Indian Ocean. In clear terms, this very special area spreads over regarding 1200 km southwest of the southern tip of India. Its gravitational force being very weak, the sea level below the geoid depression measures almost 106 meters. Note that this value clearly exceeds the world average.
The uniqueness of this mysterious gravity hole in the Indian Ocean has aroused much curiosity among scientists. To this end, studies have been carried out in this area for several years. However, it is only now that a tangible cause has been discovered by scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
The mysterious gravity hole in the Indian Ocean might be explained by the plunge of tectonic plates in the mantle
The Indian Ocean geoid depression is thought to be caused by the sinking of tectonic plates into the mantle. Explicitly, analyzes were carried out on simulated models of the last 140 million years, from a computer. This is how remnants of an ancient ocean have been found. This one is located just under Africa, regarding 965 kilometers below the earth’s crust.
During this study, the researchers managed to see plumes of molten rock under Africa. This phenomenon would be mainly due to tectonic plates plunging into the mantle. This would represent, according to the researchers, the main cause of this mysterious gravity hole in the Indian Ocean. However, research is evolving with the aim of providing new elements that can support the result.
Scientists believe there are other factors behind this mysterious Indian Ocean gravity hole
Debanjan Pal and Attreye Ghost, responsible for the study, claimed that there are other factors behind this famous Indian Ocean gravity hole. According to them, there are not enough elements to attest to the presence of the plumes in the Indian Ocean. It will therefore be necessary to continue the studies to find new details.
In addition, other scientists conducting studies on the subject have adopted the cause revealed by the two researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). They intend to use it as a reference in order to better orient their actions and experiences. Their main objective is to bring new concrete elements to confirm the results of the studies of Debanjan Paul and Attreye Ghost. Many other researchers also intend to prove the involvement of other factors in this phenomenon. We can therefore hope very soon for new data on this famous gravitational trough in the Indian Ocean.
SOURCE : THE INDIAN EXPRESS
1688808804
#mysterious #gravitational #hole #Indian #Ocean