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 around 8.5 million years ago in the Caribbean?

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Describe the effect of the hot material on the Lesser Antilles Islands.

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What was the previous belief about the movement of tectonic plates?

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How does the asthenosphere function in relation to tectonic plates according to the new study?

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Explain how the movement of tectonic plates is compared to air hockey pucks.

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