Scientists Discover Massive Mountains Deep Beneath Earth's Surface

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature, researchers have identified two enormous mountain structures lying deep beneath the Earth's surface, reaching heights over 1,000 kilometers—more than 100 times taller than Mount Everest. Located at the boundary between the Earth's core and the mantle, these peaks are situated beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean.

Head researcher Dr. Arwen Deuss, a seismologist from Utrecht University, described the mountains as potentially over half a billion years old, with some estimates suggesting they could date back to the planet's formation around four billion years ago. The structures, referred to as "Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces" (LLSVPs), exhibit unique characteristics suggesting they remain hotter than their surrounding tectonic plates.

Scientists discovered these mountains by analyzing seismic shockwaves created by earthquakes, which can reflect anomalies within the Earth's interior. Dr. Deuss noted that the seismic waves travel more slowly through these underground structures compared to surrounding areas, allowing researchers to map their existence.

The study highlights the significance of these findings in understanding Earth's geological history and the processes that shape its interior. The newly discovered mountains are believed to have larger mineral grains than the surrounding tectonic materials, indicating their ancient origin.

As the research progresses, scientists aim to learn more about the nature of these massive structures and their role in Earth's dynamic geology.