New research has unveiled a stunning geological revelation: two massive “islands” of rock, each over 1,000 kilometers tall, lie hidden deep within the Earth’s mantle, far surpassing the height of Mount Everest. Located approximately 2,000 kilometers beneath the surface—one beneath Africa and the other beneath the Pacific Ocean—these colossal formations challenge our understanding of Earth’s internal structure and history.
Quick Summary:
Two continent-sized rock islands, over 100 times taller than Everest, discovered in Earth’s mantle.These islands reach heights of about 1,000 km. “They form huge mountains, with a height of almost 1,000 km,” said Arwen Deuss, seismologist at Utrecht University.

Background:
The discovery of these hidden mountains was made possible through seismic wave analysis, which revealed that certain areas of the mantle slow down seismic waves. Contrary to earlier beliefs that the mantle consists mainly of liquid magma, it is primarily composed of semi-solid rock that can flow over geological timescales.
Impact:
This groundbreaking research, published in the journal Nature, suggests that these ancient formations are at least a billion years old and significantly hotter than their surroundings. The findings imply that volcanic activity on the Earth’s surface may be linked to these subterranean giants through “mantle plumes”—columns of hot rock rising from the depths.
Expert Opinions:
Arwen Deuss commented on the significance of these findings: “Nobody knew what they were… They have been staying where they are at the base of the mantle for at least a billion years.” Sujania Talavera-Soza added that the composition of these islands differs greatly from surrounding rock slabs, indicating their age and rigidity.

“These mountains may well be a remnant from the time when our planet was originally formed,” said Deuss.The research highlights that LLSVPs (large low-shear-velocity provinces) consist of larger mineral grains compared to surrounding slabs, suggesting they are much older.
FAQs:
Q: What are LLSVPs?
A: LLSVPs are large low-shear-velocity provinces in the Earth’s mantle characterized by their unique heat properties that slow down seismic waves.
Q: How were these underground mountains discovered?
A: Researchers used seismic wave analysis to detect areas within the mantle where waves travel slower than expected.
Conclusion:
This groundbreaking discovery of massive underground mountains not only reshapes our understanding of the Earth’s mantle but also highlights the complexities of geological processes that have shaped our planet over billions of years. As researchers continue to explore these hidden giants, we may uncover even more insights into Earth’s history and the forces that drive volcanic activity.