Ancient Seafloor Discovered Deep Beneath Pacific Ocean

University of Maryland scientists uncover a sunken tectonic plate from the age of dinosaurs, challenging existing theories about Earth's interior.

Researchers used seismic imaging to find a thickened area in the mantle transition zone, suggesting the presence of an ancient seafloor.
The discovery was made at the East Pacific Rise, a tectonic plate boundary on the ocean floor.
The ancient seafloor, believed to be around 250 million years old, offers new insights into Earth's geological history.
Findings indicate that the mantle transition zone can act as a barrier, slowing the movement of subducted material.
The study aims to improve models of tectonic plate movements and their effects on Earth's surface and deep interior.