Pacific Ocean Tectonic Plate Ripping Apart, Scientists Discover

A new study suggests that large oceanic plateaus in the western Pacific Ocean are not rigid slabs but weak spots being torn apart by distant forces at the plate's edge, challenging previous understanding of tectonic plate dynamics. The research indicates that these plateaus are being stretched and thinned by pull forces at the Pacific plate's edge, even though they are located hundreds to thousands of kilometers from the nearest plate boundary. The findings highlight the need for further exploration and data collection to better understand the complexities of the seafloor and tectonic plate behavior.