For centuries, the depths of our planet have remained an enigma. Now, a groundbreaking discovery by scientists from ETH Zurich and Caltech has challenged our understanding of Earth’s interior. Using seismic wave data, researchers have detected massive, anomalous structures buried 600 miles beneath the Pacific Ocean—structures that defy current geological theories.
The crust, mantle, and core are the three main layers that make up the Earth’s interior. Scientists study the mantle using seismic waves from earthquakes since no one has ever seen it up close. Researchers can study the buried depths of our globe because of the diverse ways that these waves react depending on the substance they pass through. However, they discovered something wholly unanticipated.
The crust, mantle, and core are the three main layers that make up the Earth’s interior. Scientists study the mantle using seismic waves from earthquakes since no one has ever seen it up close. Researchers can study the buried depths of our globe because of the diverse ways that these waves react depending on the substance they pass through. However, they discovered something wholly unanticipated.
Several theories attempt to explain these anomalies. Some scientists speculate that these structures may be composed of ancient, silica-rich materials dating back four billion years. Others suggest they could be zones where iron-rich rocks have gradually accumulated due to mantle convection.
Professor Andreas Fichtner likened the discovery to a doctor suddenly finding an unexpected artery in the body. The presence of these deep-earth structures may reshape our understanding of plate tectonics and Earth’s evolutionary history. As researchers refine their imaging tools, one thing remains clear—our planet still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered.
