Podcast
Questions and Answers
The modern understanding of the ______ cycle predicts that remnants of submerged plates will be found near subduction zones.
The modern understanding of the ______ cycle predicts that remnants of submerged plates will be found near subduction zones.
plate tectonic
A new high-resolution model shows that these remnants can also be found far from ______ zones, complicating this-long held geologic narrative.
A new high-resolution model shows that these remnants can also be found far from ______ zones, complicating this-long held geologic narrative.
subduction
The researchers theorize that these far-off remnants could either be deposits of silica-rich material that have hung around since the formation of the ______ four billion years ago.
The researchers theorize that these far-off remnants could either be deposits of silica-rich material that have hung around since the formation of the ______ four billion years ago.
mantle
The new model clearly highlights the remnants of ______ plates.
The new model clearly highlights the remnants of ______ plates.
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Some things in science are frustratingly inaccessible to direct human ______.
Some things in science are frustratingly inaccessible to direct human ______.
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Andreas Fichtner, the senior author on the study, likens the discovery to a doctor finding a new ______ vessel.
Andreas Fichtner, the senior author on the study, likens the discovery to a doctor finding a new ______ vessel.
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Pretty much anything beyond our Solar System must be measured using advanced ______, and the intricacies of the quantum realm are also largely explored through technological intermediaries.
Pretty much anything beyond our Solar System must be measured using advanced ______, and the intricacies of the quantum realm are also largely explored through technological intermediaries.
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One of these methods is by setting up ______ stations to measure seismic waves as they travel through the Earth.
One of these methods is by setting up ______ stations to measure seismic waves as they travel through the Earth.
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The discovery has required the authors to rethink our current understanding of Earth’s ______.
The discovery has required the authors to rethink our current understanding of Earth’s ______.
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The source of this tectonic anomaly could be ancient, ______-rich material.
The source of this tectonic anomaly could be ancient, ______-rich material.
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Using this method, scientists can develop models of the Earth’s interior that show where submerged plates formed along subduction zones (which is when a plate goes under, or ______, another plate).
Using this method, scientists can develop models of the Earth’s interior that show where submerged plates formed along subduction zones (which is when a plate goes under, or ______, another plate).
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The source of this tectonic anomaly could be zones where ______-rich rocks accumulate.
The source of this tectonic anomaly could be zones where ______-rich rocks accumulate.
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The model displayed remnants of submerged plates located under oceans and in the middle of ______, which—according to our current understanding of the plate tectonic cycle—are all too far from any subduction zone.
The model displayed remnants of submerged plates located under oceans and in the middle of ______, which—according to our current understanding of the plate tectonic cycle—are all too far from any subduction zone.
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The researchers hope that even better models will be able to divine the ______ properties behind these enigmas.
The researchers hope that even better models will be able to divine the ______ properties behind these enigmas.
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These head-scratching enigmas lie deep ______ the Earth’s surface.
These head-scratching enigmas lie deep ______ the Earth’s surface.
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Flashcards
Submerged plates
Submerged plates
Tectonic plates that are located beneath the Earth's surface.
Advanced imaging technology
Advanced imaging technology
Modern tools used to visualize structures that are not visible with standard methods.
Silica-rich material
Silica-rich material
Rock material containing a high percentage of silica, typical of Earth's crust.
Iron-rich rocks
Iron-rich rocks
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Mantle convection
Mantle convection
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Seismic wave velocities
Seismic wave velocities
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Tectonic anomaly
Tectonic anomaly
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Plate Tectonic Cycle
Plate Tectonic Cycle
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Subduction Zones
Subduction Zones
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Seismic Waves
Seismic Waves
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Full-Wave Inversion
Full-Wave Inversion
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Lower Mantle
Lower Mantle
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Piz Daint Supercomputer
Piz Daint Supercomputer
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Study Notes
Plate Tectonic Cycle and Submerged Plates
- Modern plate tectonic models predict submerged plate remnants near subduction zones.
- A new high-resolution model shows these remnants can be found far from subduction zones, challenging existing models.
- Possible explanations include silica-rich deposits from the mantle's formation or iron-rich rock accumulation via convection.
Studying Earth's Interior
- Studying Earth's interior is often indirect due to inaccessibility.
- Seismographic stations measure seismic waves to infer interior structure.
- Refraction, diffraction, and reflection of shock waves provide information.
- Models of interior structure show where submerged plates formed.
New Model and Findings
- Researchers used a supercomputer and full-wave inversion to create a high-resolution model of the lower mantle.
- The model unexpectedly revealed remnants of submerged plates far from subduction zones.
- Ex: A submerged plate found in the western Pacific, despite no recent subduction zone nearby.
Implications of the Findings
- The discovery requires a revision of current models of Earth's composition.
- Potential theories include ancient, silica-rich materials (from 4 billion years ago) or iron-rich rock accumulation from convection.
Limitations and Future Research
- Indirect observation methods leave many questions unresolved, like the material composition leading to specific seismic wave velocities.
- Better models are needed to identify the materials responsible for these anomalies.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the plate tectonic cycle and the recent findings related to submerged plates. This quiz covers models predicting the presence of plate remnants and methods used to study Earth's interior. Explore the implications of these discoveries far from traditional subduction zones.
