Ongoing Crustal Foundering Discovered Beneath the Sierra Nevada
2025-04-20
Scientists have discovered unusual deep earthquakes beneath California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, much deeper than expected. Using seismic wave imaging, researchers revealed the ongoing process of lithospheric foundering, where Earth's crust is peeling away and sinking into the mantle. This finding not only explains the deep earthquakes but also offers new insights into continental formation and Earth's internal dynamics. The process could last millions of years and potentially impact landscape evolution.