Using deep learning algorithms, scientists from the US and Spain have detected 510 earthquakes at a depth of 100–150 kilometers beneath the David Glacier in East Antarctica. Until now, seismic activity in this region was considered virtually impossible, as the area is located far from tectonic plate boundaries.
According to sea-news.az the results of the study have been published in the journal Science.
The data was collected from 49 seismic stations in the region. The artificial intelligence-based algorithm made it possible to distinguish the waves from one another and accurately pinpoint the location of the earthquake epicenters. The magnitude of the recorded tremors ranged between 1.6 and 3.5.
Researchers state that explaining intraplate earthquakes occurring at intermediate depths is particularly difficult, as the high temperature and pressure conditions in the upper mantle do not allow for brittle fracturing.
It is presumed that the phenomenon is related to geological characteristics. The boundary between the thick, cold plate of East Antarctica and the thin, warm plate of West Antarctica causes stress to accumulate. Combined with the pressure exerted by the hot mantle from below and the heavy glacier from above, this factor leads to the formation of fractures at great depths.
Nevertheless, while similar conditions exist along other parts of the Transantarctic Mountains, it remains a mystery why all 510 tremors were concentrated specifically beneath the David Glacier. The authors believe that additional local factors could also be influencing this.
