Arizona State University scientists believe they have found a lithospheric drip or blob underneath the Great Basin region of central Nevada. The drip is a cylindrical blob of material in the lower crust/upper mantle of the earth that is being drawn down by more dense material, which is sinking into the earth's liquid mantle. The blob is between 30 and 60 miles in diameter, and the lowest edge of the drip extends 310 miles below the earth's surface.

Experts explain that the earth's structure isn't as clearly divided into crust, mantle and core as once thought. Rather, it's more viscous like honey or peanut butter. Areas of solid and molten material alternate, but also mix more than was understood (Jeanna Bryner, "Giant Blob Found Deep Beneath Nevada," FoxNews.com, May 27, 2009).