An unprecedented geological finding beneath Bermuda is reshaping our understanding of Earth’s structure. Scientists have identified an enormous rock layer, an astonishing 12.4 miles thick, buried beneath the island’s oceanic crust. This discovery deviates significantly from expected geological profiles, presenting a unique subterranean feature not observed anywhere else globally. Researchers are now investigating how this colossal formation impacts our knowledge of the Earth’s interior, especially within this well-known, albeit mysterious, oceanic zone. The layer exists within the tectonic plate, sitting above the mantle, which is a deviation from the typical geological sequence. This subsurface anomaly is thought to be the missing piece in solving the puzzle of Bermuda’s elevated oceanic swell. The seabed around Bermuda rises considerably higher than adjacent areas, a feature that has persisted for millions of years without current volcanic activity. The leading theory suggests that this thick layer of solidified rock, potentially originating from ancient mantle material injected during past eruptions, acts as a buoyant support. This geological anomaly explains how the island has maintained its elevated position over geological timescales, challenging conventional models of island formation, like those seen in the Pacific hotspots. The unique tectonic history of the Atlantic, linked to the breakup of Pangea, is being considered as a crucial factor in Bermuda’s geological distinctiveness.
