Study Reveals Ultra-Low Velocity Zones May Be More Common in Earth’s Mantle Than Previously Thought

New analysis means that peculiar zones within the Earth’s mantle, the place seismic waves gradual dramatically, could also be extra widespread than beforehand thought. These ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs) have intrigued scientists for years because of their skill to gradual seismic waves by as much as 50 %. Recent findings point out that these enigmatic options might be current throughout massive areas of the mantle, not simply close to volcanic hotspots like Hawaii.

Uncovering ULVZs

ULVZs are discovered within the decrease mantle close to the boundary with the core. They had been initially linked to volcanic hotspots, the place molten rock rises from deep inside the Earth. However, a new study led by geologist Michael Thorne, printed in AGU Advances, suggests these zones could be widespread. Thorne’s staff used information from deep earthquakes to mannequin seismic wave journey and found patterns indicative of those slow-down zones past beforehand identified areas.

Revealing New Insights

The analysis centered on waves from highly effective quakes, which journey by means of varied layers of the Earth, together with the core and mantle. Precursor PKP waves, which arrive earlier than the principle seismic waves, had been discovered to scatter off unknown options within the mantle. This led to the invention of potential ULVZs not just below particular areas just like the western Pacific, but additionally in areas reminiscent of North America, North Africa, and Papua New Guinea.

Possible Origins and Implications

There are theories suggesting that ULVZs could be remnants from historical meteor impacts or that they might be actively fashioned at this time. Thorne speculates that these zones might end result from mid-ocean basalt, fashioned at seafloor spreading ridges, which melts and creates pockets when subducted into the mantle. These pockets would possibly then be redistributed by tectonic exercise, contributing to the widespread nature of ULVZs.

Future Exploration

Understanding ULVZs might improve our information of volcanic hotspots and mantle dynamics. Despite the progress, many questions stay unanswered. As researchers proceed to discover these mysterious options, they hope to uncover extra concerning the processes shaping our planet’s inside.