The gravity hole in the Indian Ocean may have formed after the death of an ancient ocean.

a vast area in Indian OceanKnown as the “gravitational hole”, it has been puzzling scientists since its discovery in 1948. Located in the Lakshadweep Sea southwest of India, this circular area experiences a significantly weaker gravitational pull, causing sea levels to drop an astonishing 348 feet lower than the surrounding area. Area. The 1.2 million square mile anomaly has long puzzled geophysicists, who have only recently made progress in uncovering its origin.

Formation associated with the prehistoric ocean Tethys

Research published Geophysical research papers in 2023 trace the formation of gravitational holes to events that occurred 100 million years ago. The ancient ocean Tethys, which existed between the supercontinents Laurasia and Gondwana, played a central role. According to Dr. Atreyi Ghosh, associate professor at the Indian Institute of Science and co-author of the study, when Gondwana began to split 180 million years ago, pieces of Tethys’ oceanic crust descended into the Earth’s mantle.

As these fragments sank deeper over millions of years, denser material was displaced from the African region of the mantle. 19 Simulations using computer models show that lower density magma plumes rose up to replace denser material, effectively reducing the mass beneath the Indian Ocean and lowering the geoid.

Pending verification of findings

While the study provides a compelling explanation, additional evidence is needed to confirm the findings. Earthquake data are being considered to verify the presence of a low-density plume beneath the area. Scientists like Dr. Ghosh acknowledge its complexity of earth Mantle dynamics, as similar anomalies observed globally, reveal complex processes within the planet’s interior.

Relevance of planetary science

The discovery highlights the widespread importance of the study of subsurface phenomena for Earth and other planets. Similar mantle structures are seen below Mars planetUnderscores the universal nature of the geological processes that shape planetary bodies. This research continues to shed light on the forces that shape Earth’s unique topography, with ongoing studies offering a glimpse into the planet’s mysterious interior.