Powerful ‘river of rocks’ found deep under caribbean

The video explains the geological history of the Galapagos Islands, where magma was initially blocked by a subduction plate. Around 8.5 million years ago, a gateway opened, allowing hot material to flow into Central America and the Caribbean Sea, affecting the sea level near the Lesser Antilles. Traditionally, tectonic plates were thought to move due to their sinking portions, with the asthenosphere acting as a lubricant. However, a new study suggests that in the Caribbean, the asthenosphere functions more like a strong current, actively moving the plates, similar to air currents on an air hockey table.

What geological event occurred under the Galapagos Islands millions of years ago?

• A tsunami

• An earthquake

• Magma rising

• A volcanic eruption

What significant change happened around 8.5 million years ago in the subduction plate?

• It completely disappeared

• A gateway opened

• It became thicker

• It moved northward

How does the hot material affect the sea floor near the Lesser Antilles today?

• It tilts the sea floor by about 300 meters

• It causes frequent earthquakes

• It creates new islands

• It cools the sea water

What traditional belief about tectonic plates is challenged by the new study?

• They are pulled by their sinking portions

• They are stationary

• They are moved by ocean currents

• They are pushed by wind

How does the asthenosphere in the Caribbean differ from traditional views?

• It is colder than expected

• It acts as a strong current moving plates

• It is completely solid

• It is not present