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Antarctic seismic data points to an ancient structure circling Earth’s core
- Antarctic seismic data reveal widespread ultralow velocity zones along the core–mantle boundary.
- HIPR-weighted seismic stacks enhanced signal quality to map the ULVZ more clearly.
- Most ULVZs in the region measure about 14–20 kilometers thick, with some thinner and some thicker.
- Geodynamic models show subducted oceanic material spreading along the core–mantle boundary.
- The study argues subducted old oceanic crust and sediments best explain the widespread ULVZs.
- ULVZs may influence how heat escapes from the Earth's core and affect mantle plumes.
- The team used 227 seismic events from Antarctica to build their analysis.
- Researchers screened data with strict criteria to confirm ULVZ evidence.
- The findings suggest a global, pervasive ULVZ layer rather than isolated pockets.
- Limitations include resolution gaps for very thin crust and potential modeling simplifications.
- The research was published in Science Advances and summarized by The Brighter Side of News.
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