Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a ‘ghost’ plume beneath Oman, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of Earth’s geology. This elusive column of hot rock, unlike typical mantle plumes, shows no surface volcanic activity, suggesting a hidden dynamic at play.
- Discovery of a 'ghost' plume beneath Oman
- No surface volcanic activity detected
- Influences on plate tectonics and Earth's heat
- Evidence from seismic data and modeling
- Plume may affect land elevation today
- Implications for core-mantle boundary heat flux
Published on 2025-06-18 08:52:00, the research reveals that this ghost plume, named the Dani plume, could reshape how we view heat transfer and tectonic movements within the Earth. Understanding such plumes is crucial for insights into plate tectonics and the evolution of life on our planet.
This discovery raises intriguing questions about the Earth’s internal processes. How many more ghost plumes exist globally, and what impact do they have on geological evolution? The study provides compelling evidence through:
- Seismic data indicating slower waves, suggesting hotter rock below.
- Computer models revealing a plume that may have influenced the Indian tectonic plate 40 million years ago.
- Potential implications for heat flux from the core, requiring revisions to existing thermal evolution models.
As research continues, scientists are urged to explore further, potentially uncovering more ghost plumes and deepening our understanding of Earth’s intricate workings.
