Scientists discover an EXTRA layer of plate tectonics

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For decades, a mysterious series of earthquakes has rocked the Pacific, although the source has remained a mystery. Now, researchers believe they may have found a new layer of tectonic plates within the Earth's mantle that could explain the quakes. While the results are preliminary, if they are verified, they could help scientists to reconstruct the layout of the Earth's surface millions of years ago.

Researchers from the University of Houston have presented early evidence of plate tectonics within the mantle.

The team suggests that plates that were driven into the mantle millions of years ago may slide horizontally inside the 'transition zone' – a layer of mantle that lies 440-660km below the surface.

Using 3D mapping, the team has been able to generate a picture of Earth's interior, based on vibrations from earthquakes.

The findings suggest that this plate movement could explain the Vityaz earthquakes – a series of deep and powerful earthquakes that have been appearing between Fiji and Australia.

The researchers believe that the bends and breaks in these subducted plates could be generating the earthquakes.