Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have made significant progress in understanding the enigmatic gravitational anomaly known as the Indian Ocean geoid low (IOGL). This peculiar dip in the sea level, around 106 meters below the global average, has intrigued researchers since its discovery by Dutch geophysicist Felix Andries Vening Meinesz in 1948.

In a recent publication in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, researchers Debanjan Pal and Attreyee Ghosh present their groundbreaking findings on the origins of this gravity hole. Through computer-simulated models spanning the past 140 million years, the scientists have uncovered compelling evidence pointing to the presence of an ancient ocean deep beneath the Earth’s crust, just below Africa.

In all their simulations, Pal and Ghosh observed molten rock plumes beneath Africa, which could be the result of tectonic plates submerging into the mantle. These plumes, they hypothesize, might explain the IOGL anomaly experienced in the Indian Ocean.

However, the researchers caution that the presence of these plumes beneath the Indian Ocean has yet to be confirmed by seismographic evidence. They acknowledge that further investigation is necessary to unravel the complete picture and identify any additional factors contributing to the gravitational dip.

The IOGL has been verified through various ship-based experiments and satellite measurements, but until now, its underlying cause has remained elusive. The discovery of an ancient ocean buried beneath Africa presents a fascinating new perspective in the quest to understand Earth’s gravity variations.

Unlocking the secrets of the Indian Ocean’s gravity hole could have far-reaching implications for our understanding of the planet’s geology and the forces that shape it. This groundbreaking research not only sheds light on a long-standing mystery but also highlights the significance of continued scientific exploration and discovery.