A groundbreaking geological study has revealed that the Neotethys oceanic plate is tearing apart horizontally beneath the Zagros Mountains, sparking unprecedented changes to the region’s landscape. For millions of years, the Arabian and Eurasian plates have been colliding, forcing the Neotethys plate downward.
Researchers discovered sediment accumulation in the area is greater than expected, suggesting tectonic forces beyond mountain weight are driving the land downward. This massive sinking plate is acting like an anchor, dragging parts of the Earth’s crust deeper and creating vast depressions filled with millions of years of accumulated sediment.
The study found that plate detachment occurs unevenly, with some areas remaining attached while others detach, altering regional tectonic balance. As the shifting plate redistributes stress within the crust, regions like northwest Iran, Iraq, and southeast Turkey may experience increased seismic activity in the coming years.
This breakage also affects underground fluids and heat, impacting geothermal energy resources. Furthermore, it could improve mineral exploration efforts by revealing sedimentary ore deposits. The Neotethys detachment mirrors past events that shaped the Himalayas, Andes, and Alps, offering insights into mountain formation and evolution worldwide.
Advances in seismic imaging and modeling will help scientists determine if plate breakages follow predictable patterns or occur randomly. This study marks a significant step toward understanding Earth’s deep tectonic processes.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/10000-billion-tons-sinking-earths-crust-is-collapsing-under-a-hidden-force-206446-01-02-2025