Recent research indicates that a vast mass of hot rock known as the North Atlantic Anomaly (NAA) could be influencing geological changes beneath North America, particularly as it moves toward New York City. This groundbreaking study posits that the NAA played a critical role in the geological split between Canada and Greenland approximately 80 million years ago.
The theory surrounding continental drift, initially proposed by German meteorologist Alfred Wegener in 1912, serves as a foundation for understanding the formation and movement of continents over vast timescales. Wegener’s hypothesis suggested that the continents of today were once part of a massive supercontinent known as Pangea, which began to break apart around 200 million years ago—a generally accepted timeline in geology.
However, an international team of researchers is challenging this long-standing view with new insights into the origins of continental division. As outlined in their study published in the journal Geology, the NAA is located deep beneath the Earth’s crust and is estimated to measure about 350 kilometers (218 miles) in width. Currently, it rests approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) below the Appalachian Mountains in New England.
The lead author of the study, Tom Gernon, noted that this long-held geological mystery surrounding the thermal upwelling beneath North America could be part of a more extensive, slow-moving process deep underground. This process may also help clarify the continued elevation of mountain ranges like the Appalachians.
The research team utilized advanced techniques such as geodynamic simulations, tectonic plate reconstructions, and seismic tomography data to trace the heat blob’s origins to the Labrador Sea, where the continental split occurred. Impressively, they determined that the molten mass migrates toward New York City at a remarkably slow pace of about 20 kilometers (12 miles) every million years. Despite its gradual movement, experts reassure that this geological feature will not affect New York for an incomprehensible duration, estimating its arrival at a staggering 15 trillion years from now.
The findings from this latest research expand on prior studies aiming to explain the complex behavior of molten material beneath the Earth’s surface, suggesting a new perspective known as the ‘mantle wave’ theory. This theory likens the movement of dense, hot rock beneath tectonic plates to a lava lamp. Specifically, as continents separate, the hot, dense rock forms like air bubbles rising, creating ‘waves’ that shift the continents above.
Once these blobs of heated rock settle beneath a continent, they impart buoyancy from their thermal energy, potentially contributing to the elevation of ancient mountain ranges over millions of years. Co-author Sascha Brune explained that these ‘drips’ or flows of rock can emerge in sequences, much like a cascading set of dominoes. He believes that the anomaly beneath New England is likely one of these blobs, originating from areas far removed from its current position.
Ultimately, this research exemplifies the principle of ‘slow and steady wins the race’ in the context of continental formation. As Gernon stated, much remains to be uncovered regarding the arrangement of continents as we understand them today.
image source from：popularmechanics
