Scientists Discover Possible Remnants of Ancient Planet Within Earth’s Mantle
Scientists conducting research on Earth’s origins believe they may have found remnants of an ancient planet buried deep within our planet’s mantle. Dubbed Theia, this Mars-sized planet is thought to have collided with Earth billions of years ago, leading to the formation of the moon.
Through computer simulations, researchers have hypothesized that two massive regions, known as large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs), located beneath Earth’s surface could be remnants of Theia. These LLVPs were first identified in the 1980s and have distinct composition and higher density compared to the surrounding mantle.
The collision between Theia and Earth is believed to have resulted in the melting of the upper portion of Earth’s mantle, while leaving the lower half solid. It is estimated that around 10 percent of Theia’s mass was acquired by Earth during this catastrophic event. Over time, the captured material from Theia could have settled into these two LLVPs.
The recent computer simulations have provided further support for the theory that the LLVPs are remnants of an ancient world within Earth’s mantle. This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding how this alien material may have influenced Earth’s evolution and played a role in the formation of continents.
Researchers are now eager to examine how the remnants of Theia within Earth’s mantle may have contributed to shaping our planet’s geological history. They also plan to compare their findings with samples obtained from the moon’s mantle, as it is believed that a portion of the moon was formed from Theia as well.
This groundbreaking research offers valuable insights into the origins of Earth and the significant role that colossal impacts can have on the formation of celestial bodies. As scientists delve deeper into this discovery, we can expect a better understanding of our planet’s history and the forces that have shaped it.
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