Hidden world: Ancient plateau discovered in Pacific depths
An unusual formation has been discovered at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, and its origin remains a mystery to scientists. This structure, estimated to be 120 million years old, is under continuous research and observation. Scholars believe it may hold a key to understanding the history of our planet.
While humanity strives to unravel the mysteries of the universe and boldly explores space, many secrets on Earth remain undiscovered. At the center of scientists' interest is an extraordinary formation hidden beneath the Pacific's surface. Its area exceeds 77,000 square miles, comparable to the size of the United Kingdom. This structure is known as the Melanesian Border Plateau.
Unique formation under the ocean
According to a publication in "Earth and Planetary Science Letters," the plateau is a unique geological formation dating back to the dinosaur era. Researchers analyzing rock samples from this area have concluded that the structure began to form during the Cretaceous period, around 120 million years ago.
During this time, a series of volcanic lava eruptions initiated the formation of numerous underwater mountains. The next phase occurred between 56 and 34 million years ago, when new mountains and islands formed due to intense volcanic activity. Over time, these formations underwent erosion and eventually sank.
The third phase of the plateau's formation occurred between 23 and 5 million years ago, with the most recent phase beginning about 5 million years ago and likely continuing today. Although the existence of this region has been known for a long time, scientists emphasize that many such formations develop over millions of years without any apparent impact on the environment. This lack of significant impact has limited the intensity of research on the Melanesian Border Plateau thus far.
The latest studies indicate that at least 25 different volcanic structures contributed to the formation of the plateau. However, to better understand the history and development of our planet, scientists must continue their research. Their goal is to determine whether the current stage of the structure's development is indeed the last one that will ever occur.
Studying the mysteries of the Melanesian Border Plateau will allow scientists to gain a deeper understanding of tectonic mechanisms, which are crucial for analyzing the processes leading to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Researchers will need to organize many more expeditions to gather more samples from this extraordinary geological "birthmark" on Earth.
