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Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Pontus’ that was in the news recently?
  • a)
    An underwater mountain range in the Indian Ocean
  • b)
    A recently discovered tectonic plate in the Pacific Ocean
  • c)
    A newly discovered exoplanet located in a distant galaxy
  • d)
    An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its advanced pottery
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Pontus&rsquo...
A long-lost tectonic plate dubbed 'Pontus' was recently discovered by chance by scientists studying ancient rocks in Borneo.
About Pontus Tectonic Plate:
  • It is a long-lost tectonic plate recently discovered in the west Pacific Ocean.
  • It is believed that the massive tectonic plate was once about 15 million square miles in size, which equates to approximately one quarter of the Pacific Ocean
  • It can be traced back as far as 160 million years, and even more recently to around 20 million years back.
  • It was slowly subducted and lost over millions of years, pulled down under a neighbouring plate by gravity. 
  • How the discovery was made?
  • The subducting plate is actually denser than the surrounding mantle, so gravity basically pulls the plate down into the mantle.  
  • subducted plate leaves behind traces when it 'sinks' into Earth's mantle – namely, fragments of rock hidden in mountain belts
  • During the process of subduction, however, the upper parts of the subducting plate are sometimes scraped off.
  • The researchers used geological data to reconstruct the movements of the current plates with computer modelling, which hinted at a wide area potentially vacated by a subducted plate. 
  • Using magnetic techniques, researchers determined the basalt from Borneo were relics of Pontus that were left behind when this part of the plate subducted, some 85 million years ago.
Hence option b is the correct answer.
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Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Pontus&rsquo...
Unfortunately, the term you are referring to is not mentioned in your question. Could you please provide more information or specify which term you are referring to?
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Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Pontus’ that was in the news recently?a)An underwater mountain range in the Indian Oceanb)A recently discovered tectonic plate in the Pacific Oceanc)A newly discovered exoplanet located in a distant galaxyd)An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its advanced potteryCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Pontus’ that was in the news recently?a)An underwater mountain range in the Indian Oceanb)A recently discovered tectonic plate in the Pacific Oceanc)A newly discovered exoplanet located in a distant galaxyd)An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its advanced potteryCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Pontus’ that was in the news recently?a)An underwater mountain range in the Indian Oceanb)A recently discovered tectonic plate in the Pacific Oceanc)A newly discovered exoplanet located in a distant galaxyd)An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its advanced potteryCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which one of the following best describes the term ‘Pontus’ that was in the news recently?a)An underwater mountain range in the Indian Oceanb)A recently discovered tectonic plate in the Pacific Oceanc)A newly discovered exoplanet located in a distant galaxyd)An ancient civilization in Mesopotamia known for its advanced potteryCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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