The recent discovery of two new layers hidden within Earth’s mantle has stirred excitement in the scientific community and is making headlines across the globe. Two separate studies have brought to light these novel geological stratifications, furthering our understanding of the complexities of our planet’s structure.
The New Hidden Mantle Layers
The first newly discovered layer is a low viscosity zone in the upper mantle. The layer is approximately 100 kilometers thick and was identified through study of deep earthquakes, namely the 2018 Fiji earthquake with a magnitude of 8.2, using GPS sensors. This layer serves as an indicator of less viscous movement within the upper mantle region.
The second layer that researchers uncovered extends from 90 km to 150 kilometers and lies beneath tectonic plates. This layer represents a partially molten layer that was discovered by analyzing seismic waves from earthquakes. It posits a higher temperature than surrounding layers, indicative of intense geothermal activity.
Understanding the Earth’s Mantle
The Earth’s mantle is a critical layer of solid rock that stretches from the crust’s base to the top of the core, boasting a thickness of about 2,900 kilometers or 1,800 miles. It constitutes the largest segment of the Earth’s interior, representing about 84% of the Earth’s volume and about 68% of its mass.
The mantle consists of silicate rocks abundant in iron and magnesium, divided into the upper and lower mantle. Its composition plays a fundamental role in the geological procedures that shape the earth’s surface. Aspects such as plate tectonics and volcanic activities are heavily influenced by the mantle.
The Significance of the Mantle Layer
The mantle plays a pivotal function in understanding the Earth’s structure. One of its most crucial roles is influencing convection, the process of transferring heat between areas differing in temperatures. The heat generated by the core moves through the mantle, influencing the motion of the planet’s tectonic plates.
This understanding has been instrumental in various academic and professional settings. For instance, the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which tests participants on multiple layers of knowledge, has featured questions about the Earth’s mantle in previous years. As shown by the emergence of these new findings, the exploration of our planet’s mantle remains an evolving and dynamic field of study.
The recent revelation of two previously hidden layers in the Earth’s mantle underscores the complexity and depth of our planet’s interior structure. It further highlights the importance of continued scientific inquiry and study to unravel the mysteries of our world.
