Antarctica has a "gravity hole". What is it and does it pose a threat to the planet?
Antarctica has a so-called "gravity hole" — an area where the force of gravity is weaker than in other parts of the planet. This phenomenon formed over millions of years deep beneath the continent's surface, researchers write in the journal Scientific Reports.
Illustrative photo. Photo: freepik.com
Gravity is usually perceived as a constant, but in reality, it changes depending on the density of rocks within the Earth's interior. Where gravity is weaker, the ocean surface is slightly lower relative to the Earth's average shape (geoid), as water tends towards areas with stronger attraction. In Antarctica, this depression is particularly pronounced.
Scientists claim that this feature poses no direct threat to the planet. However, studying it can help us better understand how large ice sheets formed and how they affect climate and sea level.
Seismic waves from earthquakes are used to study the "gravity hole." They allow researchers to "illuminate" the Earth's interior and create a three-dimensional model of the planet's internal structures. The information obtained is then compared with satellite data on the gravitational field.
Computer modeling allowed scientists to "go back" approximately 70 million years and determine that 30-50 million years ago, this gravitational anomaly was less pronounced. This period coincides with significant climatic changes and the formation of Antarctic glaciers, which significantly affect global ocean levels and its chemical composition.
Researchers suggest that further study of this phenomenon will help to better understand the connection between processes deep within the Earth and climate changes on its surface.
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