Scientists seek answer to the cause of Earthquakes and Volcanoes

A recent research in the field of geology by the University of Utah suggests that a previously unknown rocky layer may be present at about 1,500 kilometres beneath Earth's surface. Studies have also yielded results that the stiffness or density of the layer is higher than such other characteristic layers, which may be an answer to the earthquakes and volcanic eruption.

Earth's surface

Earth is about 12,750 kilometres in diameter with the crust extending from 5 kilometres to 100 kilometres and is the outmost layer of the surface. It is thinner under oceans and thicker under the continents.

Earth's mantle is the largest layer and extends roughly from 50 kilometres to 3,000 kilometres. It is the largest shell of Earth and links the inner hot molten core to the surface of Earth or the crust of Earth's surface. The core being composed of a thick inner layer and a thin inner layer is always under high pressure from the upper layers of the earth.

New findings

In a recent publication issued by Nature Geoscience, a new layer of stiff and pliable rock has been noted. The new layer floats between the crust and the core and is within the mantle. The minerals that are present, define all the layers of the earth. The researches believe that this layer is the strongest layer of them all. 

The team used a diamond anvil to apply massive pressure to the minerals and found feropericlase component in the mantle. The process revealed that the strength of the rock increased 300 times at a depth of 1,500 kilometres, which was not anticipated before.

The research may reveal the reason behind the stopping of movements of the rocks at 1,500 kilometres beneath Earth's surface. This is thought to be the reason behind the case of earthquakes and volcanic eruption.