A massive geological anomaly found deep below the ocean floor challenges existing theories and offers new clues about Earth’s ancient past
A groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists have identified a giant structure beneath Bermuda that is unlike anything seen before. This massive formation is a rocky layer approximately 20 kilometres thick. It sits deep within the Earth’s crust and mantle transition zone. Researchers used seismic data to find this anomaly. The discovery offers a fresh perspective on the geological history of the region. It also helps explain why the island rises so high above the surrounding seafloor.
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Unlocking the Seismic Secrets
The finding came from a detailed analysis of seismic waves. A team of geologists studied data from a monitoring station on the island. They tracked how waves from distant earthquakes travelled through the ground. The waves changed speed significantly as they passed through the area. This change indicated the presence of a giant structure beneath Bermuda. The material is distinct from the surrounding oceanic crust. It is lighter and more buoyant than typical mantle rock. This buoyancy acts like a raft and pushes the island upwards.
A Geological Oddity
This formation resolves a long-standing puzzle. Most volcanic islands form over “hotspots” where magma rises to the surface. However, the volcanoes here went dormant over 30 million years ago. Despite this, the land did not sink as expected. The giant structure beneath Bermuda provides the answer. The thick layer of rock provides the necessary lift to keep the platform elevated. It prevents the island from subsiding into the depths. This mechanism is unique and has not been observed in other volcanic chains like Hawaii.
The Pangea Connection
The origin of this layer is equally fascinating. Chemical analysis suggests the rock is rich in carbon and silica-poor minerals. This composition points to a very deep source. Experts believe this giant structure beneath Bermuda is a remnant of the supercontinent Pangea. It likely formed when the Atlantic Ocean opened up about 300 million years ago. The violent tectonic shifts trapped this material in the crust. It has remained there ever since, frozen in time. This link to the past makes the site a geological time capsule.
The Hinge Point
Headlines often sensationalise the “mystery” of the Triangle. Yet, the scientific reality is more profound than any myth. This discovery proves that tectonic plates are not uniform slabs. They can hide complex “scars” from ancient geological events. The giant structure beneath Bermuda suggests that the Earth’s mantle retains distinct chemical fingerprints for hundreds of millions of years. This challenges the standard model of mantle convection. It implies that our planet’s interior is less like a mixing bowl and more like a layered archive of its violent history.