The Bermuda Triangle, a region infamous for its mysterious disappearances and urban legends, may hold a new geological secret. While tales of vanished ships and aircraft have long captivated imaginations, recent scientific findings reveal a massive, unexpected structure beneath Bermuda’s oceanic crust.
Geologists William Frazer from Carnegie Science and Jeffrey Park from Yale University have uncovered a 12.4-mile-thick layer of rock beneath Bermuda, according to their paper published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This discovery, they say, challenges existing theories about the region’s geological history.
A Geological Anomaly
Traditionally, oceanic crust is expected to transition directly into the mantle. However, Frazer explains, “In Bermuda, there is this other layer that is emplaced beneath the crust, within the tectonic plate that Bermuda sits on.” This anomaly suggests a complex geological history dating back millions of years.
The team proposes that the structure may have formed during a significant volcanic eruption approximately 31 million years ago. This event likely injected mantle rock into the crust, creating a raft-like slab that elevated the ocean floor by 1,640 feet. Despite the passage of time and volcanic inactivity, this “swell” remains, posing a mystery that Frazer and Park are eager to unravel.
Investigating the Bermuda Swell
Through seismic data analysis reaching depths of about 31 miles below Bermuda, the researchers identified a “thick underplated layer of modified lithospheric mantle.” This supports the Bermuda swell, contradicting the idea of a hot thermal anomaly from a mantle plume.
“Understanding a place like Bermuda, which is an extreme location, is important to understand places that are less extreme,” Frazer told Live Science.
This discovery is particularly intriguing given Bermuda’s ancient connection to the supercontinent Pangea. Unlike many island chains formed by volcanic hotspots, Bermuda’s unique geological structure offers insights into the Earth’s dynamic processes.
Implications and Future Research
Frazer’s ongoing research extends beyond Bermuda, as he investigates other islands worldwide for similar geological features. His work aims to distinguish between typical and extreme geological processes on Earth, enhancing our understanding of planetary dynamics.
The discovery of this massive rock layer beneath Bermuda not only reshapes our understanding of the region but also prompts a reevaluation of geological processes in other parts of the world. As research continues, scientists hope to uncover further insights into the Earth’s complex history.
Meanwhile, the Bermuda Triangle remains a source of intrigue, not just for its mythical allure, but now for its geological significance. As Frazer and his team delve deeper into these mysteries, the scientific community watches closely, eager for the next breakthrough.
