Scientists Discover Two ‘Hidden’ Mountains 100 Times Taller Than Everest

Source: The Vocket

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When we think of the tallest mountains on Earth, Mount Everest often comes to mind, towering at 8,848 meters above sea level in the Himalayas. However, recent discoveries suggest that two “hidden” mountains beneath the Earth’s surface dwarf Everest, standing 100 times taller.

Mountains Older Than Time?

According to a study published in Nature by researchers from Utrecht University, Netherlands, these subterranean mountains could be billions of years old.

“No one knows whether these structures are temporary phenomena or have existed for billions of years,” said Dr. Arwen Deuss, lead researcher and seismology expert.

Standing nearly 1,000 kilometers tall, these formations—nicknamed “islands of rock”—exist deep within the Earth’s mantle.

Hidden Beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean

The two mountains are located approximately 1,200 miles (1,931 kilometers) below the Earth’s surface, nestled between the core and mantle:

• One beneath Africa

• Another under the Pacific Ocean

Dr. Deuss noted that these formations are surrounded by a “graveyard” of tectonic plates displaced by a process called subduction, where one plate sinks beneath another.

Formed by Seismic Shockwaves

These underground giants were detected over a century ago through seismic shockwaves created by earthquakes.

“When seismic waves encounter anomalies like these supercontinents, they make the planet ‘ring like a bell’,” explained Dr. Deuss.

Known as Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs), these structures slow down seismic waves due to their unique composition. The study also revealed that these formations are hotter than surrounding tectonic plates, suggesting they have ancient origins.

Reevaluating Earth’s Tallest Mountains

While Mount Everest often holds the title of the tallest mountain, it’s not the only contender depending on how measurements are taken:

1. Tallest Base-to-Peak: Mauna Kea in Hawaii, standing at 10,210 meters when measured from its underwater base.

2. Tallest from Earth’s Core: Chimborazo in Ecuador, whose peak is the furthest point from the Earth’s core due to the planet’s equatorial bulge.

Conclusion

The discovery of two mountains hidden deep beneath the Earth’s surface challenges our understanding of the planet’s geography and geological history. Standing 100 times taller than Everest, these ancient giants highlight the mysteries lying beneath our feet, urging further exploration into Earth’s inner layers.

As scientists uncover more about these monumental formations, we may find that what lies beneath the surface is just as fascinating as what we see above.