Global 3D configuration (extending from the mapped surface to the core-mantle boundary) of seismic velocity heterogeneities in the mantle as imaged by seismic tomography. Red regions have relatively low S-wave velocities, while blue regions have relatively fast S-wave velocities. The image is dominated by two enormous low-velocity regions, beneath Africa and the central Pacific plates, and by a ring of high velocities underlying subduction zones around the rim of the Pacific.
Originally uploaded in Cutting Edge:Deep Earth.

Image 17120 is a 554 by 607 pixel JPEG
Uploaded: Oct5 09