Scientists have uncovered two enormous mountains buried deep within the Earth, each towering 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) high—over 100 times the height of Mount Everest.
These colossal formations, located1,200 miles below the surface, challenge current understanding of Earth’s geological history. The groundbreaking research was recently published in Nature.
Known as Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs), these mountains were identified through the study of seismic waves produced by earthquakes. As these waves move through the Earth, they slow down when passing through materials of different densities, allowing scientists to map underground structures.
The LLSVPs, found beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean, dwarf Mount Everest, which rises just 5.5 miles above sea level. Unlike surface mountains, these formations consist of dense, ancient material, offering a rare glimpse into Earth’s distant past.
Scientists theorize that these structures may be remnants of ancient tectonic plates that sank into the mantle billions of years ago through a process called subduction. This suggests that parts of Earth’s mantle have remained stable for over 4 billion years—far longer than previously thought.
Rethinking the Mantle
For years, scientists viewed the mantle as a constantly shifting layer with circulating heat and material. However, the discovery of these massive, stable formations challenges that idea.
Not only are the LLSVPs larger than expected, but they are also hotter than their surroundings, complicating current models of mantle dynamics. Their presence could offer crucial insights into Earth’s deep interior and the forces shaping the planet.
With advancing seismic imaging technology, researchers anticipate uncovering more hidden features beneath Earth’s surface. These underground giants may reshape our understanding of Earth’s early history and ongoing geological processes.
Though unreachable by humans, these towering structures redefine the concept of Earth’s tallest mountains. While Everest remains the highest peak above ground, the planet’s true giants lie hidden far beneath our feet.