Unlocking ancient secrets. 120‑million-year-old underwater structure sparks study into volcanic eruptions

This structure, sprawling across more than 77,220 square miles (slightly smaller than the area of the United Kingdom), is slowly revealing itself beneath the Pacific. Named the Melanesian Border Plateau (MBP), this significant geological feature, which dates back to the time of the dinosaurs, was the subject of a recent article in the journal "Earth and Planetary Science Letters".

After analyzing rock samples from the MBP region, scientists have concluded that the emergence of this structure can be traced back to the Cretaceous period—the final epoch of the Mesozoic era. They estimate it began forming approximately 120 million years ago. Volcanic lava flows are thought to have resulted in the creation of several underwater mountains during this formation stage. The next phase of the plateau's development—occurring 56 to 34 million years ago—is believed to have led to the creation of additional underwater mountains and islands, many of which later submerged due to erosion.

The third phase occurred between 23 and 5 million years ago, with the current, ongoing stage of the Melanesian Border Plateau's formation starting around 5 million years ago. Although scientists have long been aware of this region, they stress that geological features—which form over tens of millions of years—typically do not significantly impact the environment. This might explain why the MBP hasn't been explored in more depth so far.

Recently, scientists have established that the plateau's formation is due to at least 25 distinct volcanic structures. Nevertheless, there's still a wealth of research to be conducted to develop a clearer understanding of Earth's history and evolution. A crucial part of this investigation involves recognizing whether the current phase of the MBP's development is indeed its final stage or if it remains an ongoing process.

Research into the MBP is a stepping stone to better understanding tectonic mechanisms, allowing for a more accurate investigation into the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, to achieve this, scientists must undertake numerous expeditions and gather more samples from the ocean floor of this imposing underwater structure—a geological scar of sorts etched on the Earth's surface.