Scientists discover a lost range of supermountains
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Scientists discover a lost range of supermountains.
Scientists have discovered a range of mountains that are three times bigger than the Himalayas range. These mountain ranges are spreading for thousands of miles. Geologists call them supermountains.
Who is a Geologist?
A Geologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes Earth and other planets.
New study results
In the new study, scientists have discovered a rare Earth element that forms the base of high mountains. This element is called lutetium. It is a white coloured chemical element.
The new data revealed two mountain spikes of super mountain formation in the history of Earth. One of them was formed around 2 billion to 1.8 billion years ago while the second was formed 650 million to 500 million years ago. That’s a huge time, isn’t it?
How are mountains formed?
The mountains are formed when Earth’s tectonic plates smash two landmasses together and the mountains rise to good heights. Mountains can grow for hundreds of millions of years.
Scientists can study ab0ut the history of mountains by studying the minerals that are left behind. For example, zircon crystals are formed under high pressure below the heavy mountain ranges. They can survive in the rocks for a long time, even after the parent mountains vanish. These zircon crystals can reveal the condition in the crust of the planet and when and where it was formed.
The researchers also said that when these mountains got destroyed, they dump a huge amount of nutrients like iron and phosphorus into the sea. These nutrients speed up biological cycles in the ocean. Also, the mountains tend to release oxygen in the atmosphere, and it makes Earth more livable to complex lives. This is one way of estimating the age of ancient mountains.
Isn’t it interesting? Do you have an interest in mountain study? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned with us for more interesting news.
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