In a discovery that deepens our understanding of Earth’s interior, scientists revealed two colossal structures rising from the core–mantle boundary.
Mapped using advanced seismic modeling, these thermochemical structures stretch up to 1,000 kilometers upward—roughly 100 times the height of Mount Everest—and span approximately 5,000 kilometers across. The study was published in Nature on January 22, 2025 (Volume 637, Issue 8048, pages 1131–1135), appearing in the January 30, 2025 issue.
The Science That Made the Discovery Possible
The breakthrough emerged from the QS4L3 model, the first global 3D seismic attenuation map capable of distinguishing temperature effects from compositional differences inside Earth.
By analyzing how the entire planet vibrates during massive earthquakes—so-called normal-mode oscillations—researchers distinguished structures no previous model could clearly characterize. These insights revealed the towering, continent-scale anomalies at Earth’s deepest boundary, clarifying regions long considered enigmatic.
Why This Matters to Everyday People
Though hidden 2,900 kilometers beneath our feet, these discoveries reshape how the public visualizes Earth’s interior. Museums, documentaries, and science education platforms are now rethinking how they present deep-Earth processes.
Audiences gain a new sense of scale: the tallest “mountains” aren’t on the surface at all but buried near the core. This shift is expected to spark new interest among students, hobbyists, and lifelong learners exploring geology and planetary science.
How Scientists Responded Worldwide
Research institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia quickly mobilized after the findings were released. Utrecht University’s seismic breakthroughs triggered a wave of new collaborations, with geoscientists pooling seismic datasets and refining global mantle models.
Funding agencies are increasing their support for deep-Earth research, viewing these structures as keys to understanding volcanoes, plate tectonics, and even the long-term evolution of continents.
Adjacent Scientific Fields See Opportunity
Geophysics, volcanology, and planetary sciences all stand to benefit. These structures—known as Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs)—named Tuzo (beneath Africa) and Jason (beneath the Pacific)—appear to anchor mantle plumes responsible for volcanic hotspots such as Hawaii, Iceland, and Réunion.
Because the structures influence mantle flow, they may also help scientists refine earthquake models and offer clues about how Earth formed compared with rocky planets like Mars and Venus.
A Truly Global Scientific Effort
The two massive LLSVPs sit beneath Africa and the central Pacific, meaning an international seismic network is essential for mapping them. Scientists now coordinate seismic stations, ocean-bottom sensors, and satellite gravity observations across dozens of countries.
Their goal: sharpen global models and determine precisely how these billion-year-old anomalies—possibly at least half a billion years old or older—interact with the rest of the mantle and shape planetary dynamics.
The Human Story: Researchers Behind the Breakthrough
The discovery reflects years of persistence by Utrecht University’s research team led by Professor Arwen Deuss, with first author Sujania Talavera-Soza and colleagues Laura Cobden and Ulrich H. Faul.
They spent years improving seismic models, assembling global earthquake data, and developing methods to distinguish temperature differences from chemical anomalies deep within the Earth by measuring both wave velocity and attenuation (energy damping). Their work has inspired a new generation of scientists to explore the vast, uncharted territory beneath our feet.
How Governments and Policymakers Are Reacting
In response to the discovery’s significance, national science agencies in the Netherlands and beyond are expanding grant programs for deep-Earth research.
Policymakers are considering how mantle-flow insights could shape natural disaster preparedness, particularly for volcanic regions influenced by deep plumes. Some governments are also evaluating the long-term benefits of investing in global seismic monitoring networks.
Economic Ripple Effects Across Industry
The findings are expected to stimulate demand for advanced seismic sensors, high-performance modeling software, and earth-imaging instrumentation. Companies serving the energy, mining, and geoscience sectors may see new investment as mantle-flow models grow more accurate.
The need for deeper, more precise imaging of subsurface structures could accelerate innovation in exploration technologies.
Retail, Education, and Public Engagement
Educational publishers, toy makers, and science museums are updating materials to reflect Earth’s newly discovered deep structures. Expect new school modules, 3D models, hands-on kits, and augmented-reality tools that bring the planet’s interior to life.
Museums are redesigning Earth-science exhibits to highlight these colossal structures and the cutting-edge seismic tools that discovered them.
Tourism, Hospitality, and Immersive Science Experiences
Planetariums and science centers are leaning into public excitement by creating immersive experiences—VR deep-Earth tours, seismic-wave simulators, and multi-story visualizations of the core–mantle boundary.
These attractions aim to give visitors an emotional sense of scale, showing how the newly mapped structures dwarf all known mountains on Earth’s surface.
Knock-On Effects in Energy and Mining
Oil, gas, and mining companies are examining how improved deep-Earth models might refine predictions of mineral, metal, and hydrocarbon deposits.
Because LLSVPs influence mantle convection and the movement of ancient subducted slabs, a clearer picture of these processes could one day enhance resource exploration and reduce uncertainty in deep drilling operations.
Global Consumer Curiosity Grows
Enrollment in geology, geophysics, and Earth-system science programs is rising as students gravitate toward the mysteries revealed by deep-Earth imaging. Countries are hosting public science lectures, exhibitions, and festival events focused on planetary interiors.
More people than ever are learning how invisible forces deep below shape earthquakes, volcanoes, and even the distribution of continents.
Health and Lifestyle: Indirect Ripple Effects
While the discovery does not impact physical health, it is inspiring broader interest in environmental science, planetary health, and Earth-system resilience.
Young people drawn in by the mystery of deep-Earth structures may pursue careers in climate science, geohazards, or conservation—fields that increasingly intersect with public well-being and environmental policy.
Culture, Philosophy, and Environmental Debate
The existence of ancient, continent-sized structures beneath our feet has sparked new discussions about Earth’s origins and humanity’s place within geological time.
Commentators highlight the humbling realization that the planet’s largest features are entirely invisible from the surface. The discovery is prompting renewed curiosity about how geological processes have quietly shaped Earth over billions of years.
Unexpected Winners and Losers
Winners include universities with strong geoscience programs, companies specializing in seismic imaging, and educators producing updated Earth-science materials. Losers?
Traditional textbooks and outdated models that failed to account for deep-Earth anomalies and their compositional distinctness. Entire curricula are now being rapidly revised to incorporate these massive thermochemical structures and their role in mantle dynamics.
Financial Market Speculation Begins
Investors are monitoring companies that develop seismic instruments, seismic-wave modeling software, and geophysical imaging tools.
With governments boosting research budgets and industries seeking better subsurface data, analysts anticipate growth in the broader geoscience technology sector. A modest investment boom may emerge as deep-Earth research gains momentum.
How Consumers Can Engage With the Discovery
Curious individuals can explore new documentaries, science-museum exhibits, VR experiences, and educational materials explaining mantle plumes, subducted slabs, and deep-Earth anomalies.
Students interested in pursuing related careers are encouraged to explore geology, physics, data science, and planetary science—fields where this discovery is already driving new research questions.
What’s Next in Deep-Earth Exploration
Scientists plan to refine seismic attenuation models and investigate how LLSVPs influence hotspots, plume generation, and long-term plate-tectonic cycles. International teams are preparing for new seismic arrays, ocean-bottom sensors, and satellite gravity missions.
Researchers are exploring how large-grain-size mineral compositions in LLSVPs contribute to their stability and rigidity, distinguishing them from the surrounding smaller-grained subducted slab material.
The Big Picture: A New Era in Earth Science
These hidden, continent-sized structures mark a turning point in our scientific understanding. Rising up to 1,000 kilometers tall and at least half a billion years old—possibly much older—they are among the largest and most ancient features inside Earth.
Unlike the surrounding mantle, they appear largely immobile, resisting convection and remaining in place for billions of years. As research progresses, their discovery will continue reshaping geology, planetary science, education, industry, and our collective understanding of the planet we call home.