Huge volcanic eruptions occurring on the Earth`s surface may be directly connected to structures situated at the boundary between the mantle and the core. This conclusion was reached by scientists in Australia after modeling the movements of dense, continent-like formations in the lower mantle, known as BLOBS. The findings have been published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.
These subterranean formations are created by sinking tectonic plates and migrate within the mantle. Their movement triggers hot rising currents called plumes, which ascend towards the surface and provoke eruptions. Researchers demonstrated that the edges of BLOBS are the most frequent source of these plumes. When these plumes reach the lithosphere, catastrophic lava expulsions occur, capable of impacting the planet`s climate and biosphere.
The study analyzed 210 eruptions over the past 300 million years. The scientists utilized tomographic and dynamic models of mantle movement, alongside geochronological data. Statistical calculations confirmed that the majority of the largest ancient volcanoes formed directly above or close to the edges of BLOBS.
Previously, it was thought that the sources of mantle plumes were relatively stationary. However, the new research indicates that BLOBS are dynamic structures, and their movement could determine the geography of future eruptions. This discovery helps improve understanding of where and why ancient disasters occurred and where they might happen again.
