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Great Basin Blob
05/28/09 03:27 PM
As blobs go, this is a biggy
The Great Basin is a huge swath of land centered in Nevada that stretches into several neighboring states, such as Utah. Until recently, it's greatest distinguishing features were small mountain ranges, most running parallel, with broad valleys and arid flatlands in between.
However, scientists have discovered that beneath the Great Basin resides a unique geological feature they call a "blob." No, it's not the yucky, oozing sort of blob from a 50's B movie. This particular one is a huge cylinder shaped mass of "honey-like" material far below the surface. The blob itself is about 30 to 60 miles in diameter, begins at a depth of about 47 miles below Earth's surface, and extends downward at least 310 miles. It's big, even for a blob.
Now, despite comparing this blob to honey or peanut butter, geologists point out that it is composed of highly compressed rock that tends to move and act a lot like a thick, viscous substance . . . such as peanut butter. However, eating it is not advised.
Also, there's no need to worry that this blob will find its way to the surface or otherwise wreak havoc on the plants and animals that reside there. It is simply an interesting feature that demonstrates the unusual workings of the inside of our planet.
However, scientists have discovered that beneath the Great Basin resides a unique geological feature they call a "blob." No, it's not the yucky, oozing sort of blob from a 50's B movie. This particular one is a huge cylinder shaped mass of "honey-like" material far below the surface. The blob itself is about 30 to 60 miles in diameter, begins at a depth of about 47 miles below Earth's surface, and extends downward at least 310 miles. It's big, even for a blob.
Now, despite comparing this blob to honey or peanut butter, geologists point out that it is composed of highly compressed rock that tends to move and act a lot like a thick, viscous substance . . . such as peanut butter. However, eating it is not advised.
Also, there's no need to worry that this blob will find its way to the surface or otherwise wreak havoc on the plants and animals that reside there. It is simply an interesting feature that demonstrates the unusual workings of the inside of our planet.