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Ultralow Velocity Zones

All articles tagged with #ultralow velocity zones

Unyielding Iron Oxide: Surviving Earth's Harshest Conditions

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org

Scientists have long been intrigued by the ultralow velocity zones (ULVZs) near the core-mantle boundary (CMB) of the Earth, but their composition and behavior have remained a mystery. A recent study led by Caltech researchers has provided evidence that these regions, which slow down seismic waves, may be composed of solid iron oxide. The study used experiments to determine the temperatures and pressures at which iron oxide transitions from a solid to a liquid state, and found that it remains solid even at extreme conditions similar to those at the CMB. The findings shed light on the complex nature of the Earth's deep interior and its influence on geological processes.

science earth-science core-mantle-boundary earth-science earths-interior iron-oxide seismic-waves ultralow-velocity-zones

Uncovering Hidden Ancient Ocean Floor in Earth's Depths.

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Eos

Scientists have discovered that ultralow-velocity zones (ULVZs) at the base of Earth's mantle, where seismic waves slow significantly, may be more widespread than previously thought and could be the remains of ancient ocean floor. ULVZs are poorly understood, and their origins are debated. The researchers analyzed seismic waves traveling through Earth's interior from earthquakes happening around the globe and found ULVZs at the core-mantle boundary all over the Southern Hemisphere. The results could shed light on how ULVZs affect the movement of heat within Earth and help scientists understand why hot spots form where they do.

science earth-science earth-science mantle ocean-floor plate-tectonics seismic-waves ultralow-velocity-zones