#mantle-dynamics

#mantle-dynamics

The vast gravity hole, known as the Antarctic Geoid Low (AGL), is the product of incredibly slow rock movements, according to the experts. Starting 70 million years ago - a time while dinosaurs still roamed the Earth - less-dense rock built up beneath the frozen continent and weakened the pull of gravity. The gravity hole started small before rapidly growing in strength between 50 and 30 million years ago - creating the strange ocean dip that we see today.

A team of geologists has found for the first time evidence that two ancient, continent-sized, ultrahot structures hidden beneath the Earth have shaped the planet's magnetic field for the past 265 million years. These two masses, known as large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs), are part of the catalog of the planet's most enormous and enigmatic objects. Current estimates calculate that each one is comparable in size to the African continent, although they remain buried at a depth of 2,900 kilometers.

This study reveals that the mantle beneath Africa is active, pulsing, and responsible for the eventual splitting of the continent into pieces.