New facts about two giant spots in the Earth’s mantle revealed

Scientists at Arizona State University and the School of Earth and Space Research decided to learn more about two massive spots on the Earth’s mantle and came to conclusions that could fundamentally change the understanding of deep mantle processes. It is reported by Scitechdaily.

The publication explained that the Earth is multi-layered, like an onion. It has a thin outer crust, a thick mantle, a liquid outer core, and a solid core inside. There are two massive teardrop-shaped structures in the mantle – the so-called “spots”, or Large provinces. One is located under Africa, the other under the Pacific Ocean.

At the moment, scientists are aware of the existence of these spots, but where they came from and why they have such a shape, the researchers have not yet figured out. According to the publication, scientists from the University of Arizona were able to determine the maximum height of the spots, as well as the influence of their density, volume and viscosity on the Earth’s mantle.

Thanks to this study, it suddenly turned out that the spot under Africa is 1 thousand kilometers higher than the same one under the Pacific Ocean. Scientists believe that this is due to the difference in the density of the spots, which, in turn, indicates a difference in the composition and origin of the two Great Provinces, while the volume of the spots does not affect their height.

It is reported that these discoveries can help explain deep mantle processes, in particular, the relationship of the unstable nature of the “African” patch with continental changes in topography, gravity, as well as surface volcanism and plate movement.

The scientists say their work could have far-reaching implications for those who explore the deep structure of the Earth’s mantle.