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Ancient structures submerged thousands of kilometers deep remain active and help explain how the planet’s interior remains in constant transformation
Ancient tectonic plates that sank millions of years ago continue to influence Earth’s internal structure to this day. Furthermore, these formations remain in slow motion, organizing and deforming the deep mantle.
Thus, a study published in 2024 in the scientific journal The Seismic Record revealed that these plates were trapped at about 3,000 kilometers deep. In this way, even after millions of years, these structures remain active within the planet.
Consequently, the discovery reinforces that Earth continues to be a dynamic system. Therefore, these ancient tectonic plates play an essential role in maintaining geological activity.
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Seismic investigation reveals hidden structures in the deep mantle
Furthermore, researchers analyzed millions of earthquake records over time. Thus, this data functions as a “natural X-ray” of the Earth.
In this way, seismic waves were studied on a global scale, allowing researchers to identify how they propagate through the planet’s interior. Consequently, it was possible to observe changes in the speed and direction of these waves.
On the other hand, these variations indicate differences in the internal organization of the mantle. Therefore, scientists were able to map regions with deep deformations.
Seismic anisotropy explains internal deformations
Next, researchers used the concept of seismic anisotropy to interpret the data. That is, they analyzed how waves behave in different directions.
Thus, when there are changes in wave speed, it indicates that the mantle material is organized and deformed. In this way, these variations reveal invisible internal patterns.
Previously, this type of analysis was mainly applied to the more superficial layers of the Earth. However, scientists have now advanced to studying the lower mantle.
Differences between the upper and lower mantle
On the other hand, in the upper mantle, deformation occurs mainly due to the dragging of tectonic plates. That is, the movement of these plates directly influences this layer.
However, as Jonathan Wolf, one of the study’s authors, pointed out, this understanding did not yet exist on a large scale for the lower mantle.
Thus, the research’s objective was precisely to broaden the understanding of flow in this deep region.
Ancient plates remain active under extreme conditions
Furthermore, the results show that most of the deformation occurs in regions where there are remnants of ancient tectonic plates. Therefore, these structures have not disappeared.
On the contrary, even under extreme pressure and heat, these plates continue to influence Earth’s internal formation. In this way, they continue to shape the planet over time.
Consequently, this reinforces the importance of these structures in global geological dynamics.
Hypotheses about the origin of anisotropy in the mantle
Next, scientists began to investigate why these plates exhibit seismic anisotropy. Thus, the main hypothesis involves the sinking process of these structures.
Furthermore, the interaction with the transition zone between the mantle and the core can alter the mineral composition of these plates.
On the other hand, intense heat and extreme pressure at these depths also play an important role. Therefore, these factors can generate an anisotropic internal structure.
Database expands knowledge about Earth’s interior
Finally, by gathering this large amount of seismic data, researchers paved the way for more detailed analyses. Thus, this material is considered a true scientific treasure.
Furthermore, this data can improve existing geological models. In this way, they contribute to the understanding of phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Consequently, the study expands knowledge about the evolution of the Earth’s interior. Therefore, it reinforces the role of ancient tectonic plates in the planet’s dynamics.
Given this, if such ancient structures still influence the Earth’s interior, what else remains active in the depths that we still cannot directly observe?
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