Amid concerns that a crack at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Oregon could trigger a catastrophic earthquake, experts are on high alert. Ever since news first broke off, there have been numerous warnings by officials. These are regarding potential magnitude 9 and over Earthquakes which could hit the US. People over Reddit are concerned with what might just emerge out of this Pacific Ocean Hole! What are this phenomena exactly and how is it formed?
The hole in the Pacific Ocean explained
The crack was initially discovered in 2015 and is situated along the 600-mile-long Cascadia Subduction Zone fault line. And it is currently emitting hot liquid that could act as a “fault lubricant.” This ‘lubricant’ allows for the smooth movement of tectonic plates, decreasing pressure between them.
However, scientists warn that an increase in fluid in the fault cracks could result in greater pressure beneath the earth’s crust. This could lead to a magnitude-nine earthquake capable of devastating the west coast.
Here’s what the press release by the University of Washington says
- According to a press release issued by the University of Washington, scientists have discovered that the ocean hole is situated on the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault. This is located off the coast of Oregon in the United States.
- The current leakage from this hole is viewed as a potential warning sign of upcoming earthquakes in the region, as per the researchers.
The Pacific Ocean hole works mysteriously, including upside down!
Interestingly, the hole off the PNW coast is releasing water into the ocean rather than drawing it down into the earth’s depths. During an unrelated excursion near the peculiar spring, researchers detected unusual bubbles about three-quarters of a mile beneath the ocean’s surface on their sonar.
This discovery led to subsequent expeditions to the spring, which was initially uncovered by Brendan Philip, a UW oceanography graduate, and the present White House, the policy advisor.
The research team found that the fluid emanating from the spring is warmer than the surrounding water by 16 degrees Fahrenheit. This lead to further insight indicating that it originates from the Cascadia megathrust. It’s a region where temperatures range between 150 to 250 degrees Celsius (300 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the team’s estimations.
The Pythias Oasis and its Significance
Futurism reported that the ocean hole, which was discovered as recently as 2015 and has been named “Pythias’ Oasis”. This is after an oracle who gave prophecies while sitting on a hot spring in the Pacific Northwest seafloor, could be serving as a tectonic lubricant.
This year, the journal Science Advances published new research suggesting that the water spewing from the hole, which bears a striking resemblance to freshwater, might be playing this role.
Concluding
As per the press release, scientists observed “unexpected plumes of bubbles about three-quarters of a mile beneath the ocean’s surface,”. Leading to the discovery of the potential tectonic lubricant. If this lubricant escapes the ocean floor, there could be a risk of significant tectonic plate movement.
According to the statement, “the loss of fluid from the offshore megathrust interface through these strike-slip faults is significant because it reduces the fluid pressure between the sediment particles and, consequently, enhances the friction between the oceanic and continental plates.”
Solomon drew an intriguing analogy, likening the “megathrust fault zone to an air hockey table,” and stating that “high fluid pressure is akin to turning on the air, which reduces friction and enables the plates to slip.”
Conversely, Solomon continued, “lower fluid pressure causes the plates to lock, leading to stress buildup.” The researchers believe that this is the first known seafloor leak of its type, although others may exist nearby that have yet to be discovered.
SOURCES: Indiatimes/technology,Futurism
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