SMU Geophysicists Discover Large Blob Deep In The Earth

Southern Methodist University geophysicists, using the latest in seismic technology, have discovered a large blob of concentrated matter deep within the earth that may provide clues to better understanding of geological activities on our planet's surface.

The concentrated matter, located more than 500 miles under the western Caribbean Sea, is about 80 miles thick by 380 miles tall, almost vertical, and is believed to be slowly descending vertically like the colored substance in a lava lamp. Scientists believe it may be an old subductive slab, but they are not certain how it moves.

SMU's Ileana Madalina Tibuleac made the surprising discovery while analyzing data gathered by sophisticated seismic equipment designed to detect underground nuclear tests. The equipment, which is being developed at SMU, is used to verify compliance with the international Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty now pending in Congress.

Teens Get Stuck In Cave, Are Freed After 10 Hours

Two teenagers exploring a popular underground cave were trapped for at least 10 hours after they got stuck in one of its narrow passages. Chris Hale was freed about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday from Nutty Putty Cave, located 120 feet below ground. His friend Chris Marrow was brought out a few hours later, sheriff's Lt. Ron Fernstedt said. Both 17-year-olds suffered minor abrasions.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Newly Discovered Cave In Egypt Dates To 7000 B.c.

Egyptian and Belgian archaeologists have unearthed a cave with primitive wall paintings that dates to 7000 B.C. near an ancient Red Sea port. Granite axes, knives and hunting tools were found in the Neolithic-era cave near al-Qoseir, 340 miles southeast of Cairo, Mohammed el-Saghir, head of the Egyptian archaeology department, said Friday. Another cave found 500 yards away was expected to yield similar results, el-Saghir said. Until the 10th century, al-Qoseir was the most important port on the Red Sea.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

17 Rescued From Cave - Guide's Body Found

Rescuers on Monday pulled out 17 cave enthusiasts who were trapped overnight in a Puerto Rican cavern when an underground river sealed off their exit and swept away one of their guides. The group was touring a cave in western Lares, about 50 miles west of San Juan, when heavy rains began at about 3 p.m., swelling a subterranean river. One of their guides, Francis Reyes, tried to cross the river with a member of the group but was dragged deeper into the cave by the current, police said. His body was found Monday.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Injured Explorer Finally Is Brought Out Of Cave

Dozens of rescuers helped an experienced cave explorer make it to the surface Saturday after he was injured in a fall more than 3 miles underground in the Southern Hemisphere's second-deepest cave. Kieran McKay, who smashed the left side of his body after plunging down a rock wall, hobbled during parts of the 3.4-mile underground journey but was carried most of the way on a stretcher. McKay, 30, was flown to see his father, then taken for treatment to a hospital, where a spokeswoman said he was ``stable and in very good spirits'' despite his injuries.

Source: Orlando Sentinel