Scientists have discovered a layer of liquified molten rock in Earth's mantle that may be responsible for the sliding motions of the planet's massive tectonic plates.

"We went out looking to get an idea of how fluids are interacting with plate subduction, but we discovered a melt layer we weren't expecting to find."

Full story at:

http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_images.jsp?cntn_id=127315&org=NSF

Brian

• Scientists Discover Layer of Liquified Molten Rock in Earth's Mantle