Potential development of a massive earthquake region lies beneath the Atlantic ocean.
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of scientists, led by Professor João Duarte from the University of Lisbon, have found evidence of a mysterious process taking place beneath the Horseshoe Abyssal Plain, a deep-sea region southwest of Portugal. The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Geoscience, suggests the potential emergence of a new subduction zone in the Atlantic Ocean.
This revelation comes after years of puzzling seismic activity in the region. For instance, the 1969 earthquake off Portugal's coast, which measured a magnitude 7.8, had the signature of a subduction zone, yet there isn't one there. This anomaly has been a subject of interest for scientists, and Duarte's team believes they have finally uncovered the reason.
The researchers found that water has seeped into the rock over millions of years, chemically weakening it and allowing chunks of mantle to sink into Earth's depths in a process called delamination. This unusual event, almost unheard of in the scientific community, could explain the unusual seismic activity observed in the region.
The formation of a new subduction zone, if confirmed, could have significant implications. It could eventually pull Africa, Europe, and the Americas together, potentially leading to the formation of a future supercontinent. However, Duarte warns that big earthquakes are likely to occur again in the Atlantic, and the impacts could devastate unprepared coastal regions across the Atlantic.
Professor Duarte, an assistant professor in tectonics at the University of Lisbon and the president of the Tectonics and Structural Geology Division of the European Geosciences Union, compares the preparation for earthquakes to being prepared for rain. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared regardless of the exact timing.
Duarte's research has been published in various renowned journals, including Geophysical Research Letters, Nature Communications, and Geology. His team's findings have certainly added a new dimension to our understanding of the Earth's tectonic activity and the potential risks associated with it.
It's important to note that this study does not provide information about why it's impossible to predict when a mega-tsunami will strike or specific details about a 100 ft 'mega tsunami' that could hit the US at any moment. Furthermore, the study does not directly imply a massive earthquake beneath North America.
As we continue to learn more about this fascinating discovery, it underscores the importance of ongoing research and preparedness for potential seismic events. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing development in the world of geology.
