Geologists discover that the earth is opening up at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean | oceanic plates | underwater faults | Earth | The science

Pacific Ocean Plate, covering much of the ocean floor, has been the subject of research for decades. However, a new study by geologists from University of Toronto shed light on the internal structure of this plate, revealing the existence major submarine faults that they are tearing it apart. This research challenges the traditional model of plate tectonics, which held that those covering the ocean floor were rigid in their movement through the Earth’s mantle.

Findings published in the journal Letters on Geophysical Researchindicate that these faults, thousands of meters deep and hundreds of kilometers long, are the result of enormous forces within the plate that move west. Researchers have shown that the Pacific Plate is not as intact as previously thought, but is instead marked by geological deformations similar to those occurring on continental plates.

“We knew that geological deformation, such as faulting, occurs within continental plates, away from plate boundaries,” he said. Erkan Gün, one of the study’s authors, in a statement from the University of Toronto. “But we didn’t know that the same thing happens with oceanic plates,” the specialist emphasizes.

Why is the Earth opening up at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean?

Newly discovered underwater faults lie within extensive suboceanic plateaus (large flat areas underwater) were formed millions of years ago when molten rock from the Earth’s mantle reached the ocean floor.

Are failures They usually coincide with nearby underwater depressions and arise as a result of the interaction of tectonic plates with the inner layers of the Earth.

When part of a tectonic plate sinks into the Earth’s interior along certain areas called subduction zones, it drags the rest of the plate with it, creating stresses that form cracks.

What is the importance of this discovery?

This discovery has important implications for our understanding of plate tectonics and the Earth’s interior. By refining the theory of plate tectonics, researchers can improve predictions about seismic activity and volcanism associated with oceanic plates.

Additionally, this discovery suggests that suboceanic plateaus, despite being thicker, are actually weaker and prone to rupture, which could affect the distribution and intensity of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in regions near these structures.

What are suboceanic plateaus?

Suboceanic plateaus are large elevations of the ocean floor formed by the flow of molten rock from the Earth’s mantle. These structures, such as those studied in the Ontong Java, Schatzki, Hess and Manihiki Plateaus, play a critical role in the dynamics of plate tectonics.

Although greater thickness was thought to make them stronger, seismic data and supercomputer models used in the study show otherwise, providing new insight into the strength and stability of these geological formations.

What is the influence of oceanic plates on seismic and volcanic activity?

Oceanic plates, like continental plates, play a critical role in the Earth’s seismic and volcanic activity. This activity is primarily associated with tectonic plate boundaries, where oceanic plates meet or interact with other plates, oceanic or continental. The three main types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and transform, and each has different effects on seismic and volcanic activity:

1. Convergent limits: At these boundaries, the plates move towards each other. When an oceanic plate collides with another oceanic plate or with a continental plate, subduction usually occurs, where the oceanic plate sinks under the other plate due to its greater density. This process generates intense seismic and volcanic activity. Earthquakes occur due to the release of accumulated stress along a subduction zone, and volcanoes form when molten material (magma) rises through the Earth’s crust and reaches the surface.
2. Divergent limits: At these boundaries, the plates move away from each other. When this happens on the ocean floor, a mid-ocean ridge forms. As the plates move apart, magma rises from the mantle and fills the space, creating new oceanic crust. This process can cause earthquakes and volcanic activity, although typically of lower magnitude compared to convergent boundaries.
3. Limit conversion: At these boundaries, the plates slide horizontally past each other. Earthquakes often occur along these boundaries as friction between the plates prevents them from moving smoothly and creates stress that is eventually released in the form of earthquakes. However, volcanic activity at the boundaries of transforms is not typical.

How are suboceanic plateaus formed?

Suboceanic plateaus are large, relatively flat expanses of land located on the ocean floor. They are formed as a result of various geological processes, including:

1. Volcanic activity: Some suboceanic plateaus are formed by the accumulation of basaltic lava from underwater volcanic eruptions. Over time, these eruptions can create large platforms of solid rock.
2. Tectonic movements: Tectonic plates can move in such a way that part of the sea floor rises, forming a plateau. This can happen, for example, in oceanic rift zones, where plates move apart, or in subduction zones, where one plate slides under another.
3. Sediment accumulation: In some areas, sediment carried by rivers or ocean currents can accumulate on the ocean floor over millions of years, forming sedimentary plateaus.
4. Meteorite impacts: In rare cases, a large meteorite impact in the ocean can cause a plateau to form by releasing and redistributing material from the seafloor.

Suboceanic plateaus can vary in size and shape and play an important role in the topography of the ocean floor. They can also affect ocean circulation and marine ecosystems.