Analysis of seismic waves reveals two massive, stable structures deep within Earth, potentially billions of years old. These large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs) located beneath the Pacific and Africa have remained unchanged despite the planet's churning interior, suggesting they are composed of large, heat-resistant crystals. The stability and potential age of these structures offer insights into Earth's early composition and formation.
Two huge masses deep within Earth may have remained stable for billions of years, surviving the powerful churn of the interior, according to an analysis of seismic waves ringing throughout the planet.
Because seismic waves pass more slowly through these objects, they are called “large low-shear-velocity provinces”, or LLSVPs. But not much else about their composition or origin is known.
EARTH SCIENCE GEOPHYSICS MINERALOGY PLANETARY SCIENCE EVOLUTION
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