Maroc - POPDIARIES.COM - A La Une - 16/Dec 15:38

Top Groundbreaking Earth Discoveries of 2024 That Will Surprise You!

Ancient Rocks Found Deep Beneath the OceanScientists recently discovered a massive slab of ancient seafloor that was buried under the Pacific Ocean. These rocks, which are more than 250 million years old, date back to a time before dinosaurs roamed Earth. This ancient rock is situated 410 to 660 kilometers below the ocean's surface, gradually moving toward the Earth's mantle. Massive Landslide in Greenland Creates Unusual Seismic WavesIn 2023, scientists detected a weird and persistent noise that seismologists couldn’t explain. By 2024, they identified the source: a major landslide in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord. The landslide triggered a tsunami that created big waves that bounced back and forth in the fjord for days, producing an unusual humming seismic sound. Unusual Oxygen Discovered on the Ocean FloorWhile studying oxygen levels in the Pacific Ocean, scientists came to know about something unexpected—an unusual form of oxygen known as "dark oxygen," which originates from metallic deposits on the ocean floor. Despite of initial doubts about the data, more analysis confirmed the discovery. This breakthrough could revolutionize our understanding of ocean ecosystems and how life can exist in the  deepest regions of the ocean. Earthquakes Might Aid in the Formation of Gold NuggetsGold has always been a topic of mystery—where does it come from deep within the Earth? Scientists now believe that earthquakes could play a role. Earthquakes might trigger electrical charges in minerals like quartz, by helping tiny gold particles bond together to form larger nuggets. If this theory proves to be true, it could alter our understanding of gold's formation and mining processes. Earth Acquired a “Mini-Moon” This YearEarth typically has one permanent moon, but in 2024, it briefly hosted a temporary guest—a small asteroid whose name is 2024 PT5. Measuring just 10 meters wide, this asteroid was captured by Earth's gravity and it orbited our planet for 2 months before drifting back into space. Although such mini-moons are not common, they serve as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between Earth and the solar system.  READ MORE -  Exposing the Risks: Why Passive Smoking Is Risky Than Active Smoking