Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery, revealing massive regions deep within the Earth’s mantle that could significantly alter our understanding of the planet’s composition and history. Seismic imaging has identified two colossal large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs) near the core, beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean.
The LLVPs are notable for their unusual makeup and ability to slow seismic waves, making them mysterious features of Earth’s interior. For years, geologists have been baffled by these anomalies, but a recent study proposes that they might be remnants of Theia, a lost planet that collided with Earth billions of years ago.
The hypothesis suggests that parts of Theia’s mantle were absorbed into the Earth’s mantle, creating the LLVPs. This theory is supported by advanced simulations and models that reveal fragments of Theia’s mantle material survived the impact and sank to these depths, forming the enigmatic structures.
The study, published in Nature, has significant implications for our understanding of planetary formation and evolution. If correct, it could lead to a reexamination of Earth’s geodynamic history, including its tectonic activity, continent rise, and magnetic field development.
Researchers believe that similar mantle heterogeneities may exist in other planetary bodies that experienced giant impacts during their formation. This discovery offers a unique glimpse into the Earth’s tumultuous past, providing insight into the interconnectedness of planetary processes from cosmic collisions to hidden layers within our world.
Source: https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/researchers-discover-pieces-of-an-ancient-planet-buried-deep-within-the-earth