Wait What?! Earth's Crust Is Dripping Into the Mantle, Causing Weird Effects

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unveiled a new geological process occurring beneath the Earth’s crust. This phenomenon, known as lithospheric drip, reveals how the crust can recycle itself without traditional plate tectonics. The implications of this discovery are vast, affecting not only our planet but potentially others as well.

Key Takeaways

• Lithospheric drip is a newly discovered geological process.
• It allows the Earth’s crust to recycle itself without plate tectonics.
• The process has been observed in at least two locations: the Andes and Turkey.
• This could have significant implications for understanding geological activity on other planets.

Understanding Lithospheric Drip

Lithospheric drip is a fascinating process that resembles the behavior of viscous liquids. To illustrate this, consider the Pitch Drop Experiment, which has been running for nearly a century. This experiment demonstrates that substances we perceive as solid can behave like liquids over time.

• Pitch’s Viscosity: 230 billion times that of water.
• Last Drop Recorded: 2014, with the next expected around 2028.

Just like pitch, the Earth’s crust can drip over extended periods, albeit at a much slower rate. A single drop from the crust can take millions of years to form.

First Discovery in the Andes

The first significant evidence of lithospheric drip was found in the Central Andes. Researchers discovered that at temperatures around 800°C, the crust begins to drip, creating enormous drops that eventually enter the mantle. This process has been reshaping the landscape for millions of years, leading to dramatic changes in topography.

• Location: Altiplano Puna Plateau.
• Impact: Uplift of approximately 1 km in the last 10 million years.

Second Discovery in Turkey

Just two years later, a second location was identified in Turkey, specifically in the COA Basin. Here, the crust is descending rather than ascending, indicating a different phase of the drip process. This discovery was made possible through satellite observations, revealing a unique circular feature on the surface.

• Observation: The basin is dropping by approximately 20 mm per year.
• Formation: Likely a secondary drip resulting from earlier primary drips.

The Mechanism Behind the Drip

The process of lithospheric drip is complex and involves several stages. As the crust heats up, it begins to drip, pulling surrounding material down with it. Once the drop separates, the crust rebounds, leading to the formation of mountains and other geological features.

• Primary Drip: Causes uplift and formation of new topography.
• Secondary Drip: Leads to depressions and potential new basins.

Implications for Earth and Beyond

The discovery of lithospheric drip suggests that geological processes can occur without the typical horizontal movements associated with plate tectonics. This has profound implications for our understanding of geological activity on Earth and potentially on other planets like Venus, where similar processes may be at play.

• Potential Effects: Could trigger earthquakes and other geological phenomena in unexpected locations.
• Future Research: As scientists continue to explore this phenomenon, we may uncover even more about the dynamics of our planet and others.

Conclusion

The discovery of lithospheric drip is a significant advancement in our understanding of geological processes. As researchers delve deeper into this phenomenon, we can expect to learn more about the Earth’s crust and its behavior over time. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting field of study evolves!