Scientists have discovered peaks more than 100 times taller than Mount Everest, located between Africa and the Pacific Ocean’s border.
According to research published in the journal Nature, these peaks are not on the Earth’s surface, but rather lie beneath it. The lengths of these peaks are approximately 1,000 kilometers, whereas Mount Everest stands at just 8.8 kilometers.
Researchers estimate that these peaks are at least 500 million years old, and the process of their formation began around 4 billion years ago.
These extraordinary structures are believed to be located at the boundary between the Earth’s core and its inner layer. Beneath the surface of Africa and the Pacific Ocean, there is also a “graveyard” of tectonic plates around these structures.
Although scientists have known for decades about the presence of large underground structures, it was only recently that their existence was confirmed. This discovery was made through the analysis of seismic waves, which helped scientists create an image of the Earth’s interior.
Researchers noted that seismic waves slowed down near these peaks, which led to their discovery. The structures are believed to be hotter than the surrounding tectonic plates.
