Overview
- The peer-reviewed study, published Nov. 28 in Geophysical Research Letters, analyzed records of distant large earthquakes captured on Bermuda.
- Imaging down to about 50 kilometers revealed an anomalously thick layer wedged beneath the oceanic crust that is less dense than surrounding rock.
- Researchers say the buried formation offers a plausible reason the Bermuda swell has stayed elevated despite volcanism ending roughly 31 million years ago.
- Complementary geochemical research reports low-silica, carbon-rich lavas sourced from deep mantle material potentially linked to Pangea’s long tectonic history.
- Lead author William Frazer is examining seismic data from other islands to determine whether comparable hidden layers occur elsewhere or if Bermuda is unique.