Hidden deep beneath the Earth's surface, scientists have discovered two colossal mountains that dwarf Mount Everest in size. These 'hidden' mountains, termed 'Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces' (LLSVPs), are estimated to be billions of years old and could rewrite our understanding of the Earth's history.
While Mount Everest , standing at 8,848 meters above sea level, is often recognized as the world's highest mountain, scientists have recently unveiled two previously unknown 'hidden' mountains that dwarf Everest by a factor of 100. These colossal geological formations, discovered by researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and detailed in the journal Nature, are estimated to be several billion years old, potentially predating previous geological understandings.
\These massive 'mountain ranges', termed 'Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces' (LLSVPs), are situated deep within the Earth's mantle, 1,200 kilometers below the surface. One lies beneath Africa, while the other resides in the Pacific Ocean. The LLSVPs are believed to have formed as a result of the Earth's tectonic plates sinking into each other, a process known as subduction. As these plates collide and one descends beneath the other, they trigger powerful seismic waves that can travel through the Earth's interior, revealing these hidden giants. \Although invisible to the naked eye, the presence of these subterranean mountains has been detected by seismologists for over a century, through observations of seismic waves, particularly during earthquakes. These earthquakes cause the planet to vibrate like a bell, and the resulting sound patterns reveal the presence of anomalies, such as these massive LLSVPs. Geologists identify these structures by the way seismic waves slow down as they pass through them. Further analysis suggests that these LLSVPs are not only hotter than surrounding tectonic plates but also potentially billions of years old. \It's important to note that Mount Everest is not the only contender for Earth's highest point. Depending on the measurement method, Mauna Kea in Hawaii, with a height of 10,210 meters from its base to its summit, and Chimborazo in Ecuador, the highest mountain from the Earth's core due to its location on the equatorial bulge, could be considered contenders. While Chimborazo stands at only 6,268 meters above sea level, its base lies 2,072 meters from the Earth's core, making it the point on Earth closest to space
Mount Everest Mountains Seismic Waves Tectonic Plates Subduction Earth's Mantle Superbenua
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cops uncover drug lab, seize RM120m worth of drugs, firearmsPolice have uncovered a drug-processing laboratory, believed to be masterminded by an international syndicate.
Read more »
Nepal halts Everest-bound helicopter flights amid local protestsHelicopter flights to the Everest region have been suspended due to protests by locals concerned about the environmental impact and loss of income from trekking.
Read more »
The Carnian Pluvial Episode: When Earth Was Bathed in Rain for Two Million YearsThe Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) was a period of intense rainfall that lasted for approximately two million years during the Triassic period. This event dramatically altered Earth's climate and ecosystems, leading to the extinction of some species and paving the way for the rise of dinosaurs.
Read more »
Uzma Bhd launches high-res earth observation satelliteUZMA SAT-1 is designed to support various sectors in M’sia, including agriculture, plantations, disaster management.
Read more »
Large rare earth deposit discovered in SW ChinaPETALING JAYA: A viral video of a disabled man being assaulted in Terengganu has invoked sympathy and anger among internet users with some saying it's not the way to solve disputes while others say there was no compassion for the disabled.
Read more »
Miles Moretti Returns to Kuala Lumpur in Dongbei Flower Suit with Miss Earth MalaysiaInternet personality Miles Moretti is back in Kuala Lumpur, this time with Miss Earth Malaysia 2023, Nadira Isaac, rocking the iconic red Dongbei flower suit.
Read more »