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Ancient Tectonic Plate Fragments Discovered Deep in Earth's Mantle

1/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at ETH Zurich and Caltech have unveiled astonishing findings: massive fragments of Earth's tectonic plates lurking deep within the mantle. These mysterious "sunken worlds," located far from known subduction zones, challenge our understanding of their origins. Published in Scientific Reports, the study hints they could be remnants of ancient crust or dense materials formed over billions of years.

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Story summary

Researchers at ETH Zurich and Caltech have unveiled astonishing findings: massive fragments of Earth's tectonic plates lurking deep within the mantle. These mysterious "sunken worlds," located far from known subduction zones, challenge our understanding of their origins. Published in Scientific Reports, the study hints they could be remnants of ancient crust or dense materials formed over billions of years.