This is a little explored aspect within geosciences: the connection between the gravitational forces inside the Earth and the evolution of the landscape. Stony Brook University is leading a research project that focuses on the interaction between the evolution of the landscape, climate and the fossil record.
In the new work, published in the journal Nature Communicationsthe researchers show using computer models that roots deep under mountain belts trigger dramatic movements along faults that result in the collapse of the mountain belt and the exposure of rocks that were once about 24 km below the surface. surface.
The Earth, in constant evolution
Thus, the gravitythe reason we are settled on Earth the way we are, and the reason that dominates space-time, is not only at the heart of the Earth’s silhouette, but also it is still shaping the planet from within.
The force of gravity causes movement along faults in the Earth crust, causing huge masses of rock to collapse at one point and exposing material elsewhere. This process creates the so-called central metamorphic complexes.
Researchers have verified that these complexes are remains of mountain ranges previously “collapsed”. Using computer models, they found that the main driving force behind the formation of these structures was the formation of layers and then the weakening of the bonds at their base.
A responsable
As a result of the gravity of the impact, the heat, the movement of the mantle and the melting of rocks, these structures break off and they begin to collapse towards the interior of our planet. This causes the deformation of the earth’s surface, as well as the underlying layers.
The team studied Central metamorphic complexes around Phoenix and Las Vegas in the US and confirmed that they appear to be remnants of previously collapsed mountain belts. According to the scientists’ models, this extensional collapse is driven entirely by gravity pulling on different densities of material in the overlying crust and its mantle boundary.
“We show that the gravitational forces of the body generated by the topography and the root of the crust cause an upward flow pattern of the ductile lower middle crust, facilitated by a detachment surface that evolves into a low-angle normal fault. This detachment surface acquires large amounts of finite stress, consistent with the thick mylonite zones found in central metamorphic complexes.”the authors explain.
The researchers believe their approach could help the geologists to understand other mountainous areas of the world, where the roots of the bark have thickened and partially collapsed. could also change the way we understand the geological history of the Earth and its possible future.
Font: Sarah Romero / Very Interesting
Reference article: https://www.muyinteresante.es/ciencia/articulo/la-gravidad-sigue-cambiando-la-tierra-desde-dentro-251666181287
