Tectonic plate 'peeling apart' could 'shrink' the Atlantic, scientists say

FoxNews.com/Science ^ | May 9, 2019 | James Rogers | Fox News

[ETL]

In their research, the scientists point to an earthquake that occurred off the coast of Portugal in 1755, which destroyed the city of Lisbon, and a 7.9-magnitude quake that struck the Portuguese capital in 1969.

Duarte describes the newly-found “structure” in the tectonic plate as “a very good candidate” for the source of these events.

“The 20 upper kilometers [12.4 miles] of the plate is made of soft rocks that are light and the bottom is dense and heavy (because the plate is very old, more than 100 million years),” Duarte told Fox News.

“This causes this lower part to detach from the upper part and sink in the mantle by the pull of gravity," he added, noting that the process is aided by the infiltration of water that softens the upper part of the plate. ..."

As for a “shrinking” Atlantic Ocean, Duarte noted that oceans are “born,” and then spread, before eventually closing to form a new supercontinent, in what is known as the supercontinental cycle.

The Atlantic, for example, was formed from the breakup of the supercontinent Pangea, then “spread” to assume its current form.

“It makes sense that a new supercontinent will form in the future as the result of the closing of the Atlantic,” Duarte added.

Estimates suggest that the new supercontinent, Pangaea Proxima, will form in around 200 million years.

“But for that to happen, new subduction zones have to form in the margins of the Atlantic,” he said.

“What we may be witnessing here is precisely the birth of a new subduction zone that may spread over the entire Atlantic which will eventually lead to its closing.”

[SMGFan]

He was never a Senator, he is from GA

[libertylover]

As for a “shrinking” Atlantic Ocean, Duarte noted

Me thinks Duarte will not be welcome at the next global warming convention.

[upchuck]

How absolutely true! BUMP.

[Deplorable American1776]

Re:#16 I guess we need a new committee...'The Committee to see how we can Rip off Taxpayers on this subject that will happen 200 Billion Years From Now. We need to study it now, so we can prepare for it...' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez can be the chair of the committee...😋

[Deplorable American1776]

See my post above to post #16...I might have to see if they will shorten it...😊

[Deplorable American1776]

Re #28 👍

[bgill]

We’re all gonna die!!!!

[ETL]

Yes, eventually.

[FLT-bird]

That would be bad news. We want the Atlantic to keep growing to get us further away from Europe and Africa and the Middle East.

[Wuli]

I think I’ll hang around to see the new supercontinent. LOL

[ETL]

Lol! Good one.

[Professional Engineer]

snicker

[ETL]

That would be bad news. We want the Atlantic to keep growing to get us further away from Europe and Africa and the Middle East.

At about 2-inches per year, the Atlantic grows about 8 feet in 50 years.

[fieldmarshaldj]

*ping*

[SunkenCiv]

I hate it when the Atlantic shrinks.

[fieldmarshaldj]

It was in the pool.

[SunkenCiv]

I was just enjoying this Hampton tomato. Maybe later I'll have some lobster.

[smvoice]

FORGAWDSSAKE don’t tell AOC. She’ll start insisting we CAN build a bridge to Europe

[fieldmarshaldj]

Can you believe that beat out “Star Wars” for Best Picture ? ;-D