Peering into deep plate tectonics (IMAGE)
Caption
Seismic waves generated by earthquakes are aggregated to identify the fastest velocity (i.e. coldest, blue) and slowest velocity (i.e. hottest, red) regions of the mantle. Comparing results consistent between different data and techniques reveals that slabs of cold oceanic mantle bedrock, tectonic plates, pierce the mantle at subduction zones and plunge into the deepest mantle. This former oceanic rock is heated near the molten core-mantle boundary and rises back to the surface much like a lava lamp.
Credit
Grace Shephard
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Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted.
License
CC BY-NC