A 117-million-year-old discovery of ‘Mud Wave’ in the Atlantic Ocean will completely rewrite its historical evolution.

A Groundbreaking Geological Revelation

A research group from marine geology presented their groundbreaking discovery to the public in August 2025 that challenges current understanding of Atlantic Ocean development. Researchers conducted deep-sea seismic investigations and sediment core analysis in West Africa waters to find extensive ancient mud waves’ dating back 117 million years. Geologists have discovered enormous sediment structures which function as historical records of the Atlantic Ocean’s early development.

After years of investigation into deep-sea seismic data and sediment core research the scientists established that the ocean started forming much earlier than previous scientific estimates. Scientists had previously placed the Atlantic Ocean’s age at 113 million years according to their earlier assessments. The newly discovered data reveals a much earlier timeline of 119 million years thus requiring scientists to modify their established geological theories.

What Are Mud Waves?

Mud waves refer to enormous undulating underwater ridges composed of sediment which exist on ocean floors. These stationary ocean floor structures remain stationary because deep-sea currents move slowly throughout millions of years. Scientists discovered beneath the Atlantic Ocean exceptionally preserved and extensive mud waves which stand as a remarkable example.

These sedimentary structures reach miles in length and elevate hundreds of meters above the seafloor while documenting how tectonic movements interact with ocean circulation patterns and climate changes throughout geological time. Environmental changes throughout Earth’s history are documented in these sediment layers of fine silt and clay which function as essential records for Earth’s climatic and oceanographic development.

The Location: A Gateway to the Ocean’s Past

The research location extends one kilometer below the ocean surface near Guinea-Bissau in the Guinea Plateau region. The region has captured the attention of oceanographers because it displays distinctive seafloor features near an area scientists believe was one of the Atlantic Ocean’s original formation points.

Scientists used seismic reflection data and drilled core samples to identify the Cretaceous period as the origin of the mud waves during a time when dinosaurs existed and Africa and South America were almost separated.

Rewriting the Atlantic’s Timeline

Scientists previously believed the Atlantic Ocean started its formation during the mid-Cretaceous period at 113 million years ago as Gondwana underwent its split. The research on mud waves indicates that oceanic circulation patterns and deep-water conditions were already present throughout the Atlantic Ocean four million years earlier than scientists previously thought.

The research project led by Dr. Débora Duarte revealed that this discovery shifts our fundamental understanding of Atlantic geological evolution. This discovery provides scientists with a novel system to study tectonic-climate interactions because the early Atlantic Ocean shaped worldwide weather patterns through its early formation.

A Link Between Geology and Climate

The discovery of mud waves provides significant information about past climate variations. The sediment layers contain quick climate variations which scientists link to massive volcanic greenhouse gas emissions and ocean current changes.

During the time mud waves started to develop the Earth underwent its most recent warm period since the past 200 million years. Through its early stages the Atlantic Ocean functioned as a heat transport system that modified atmospheric circulation and activated feedback mechanisms which affected worldwide ecosystems.

Why This Discovery Matters

The findings of this research extend beyond correcting geological textbook maps since they contain vital implications for science. The study of when and how the Atlantic Ocean formed remains essential for three major reasons.

Scientists use paleoclimate modeling to understand past climate systems which helps them predict upcoming climate patterns.

Research in plate tectonics depends on these models to understand the movement of continents and the growth of oceans.The sedimentary record provides valuable information for locating hydrocarbon reserves together with essential minerals in marine resource management.

This type of research about deep-time provides valuable insights into how oceans react to environmental changes which become especially important for present-day oceans under climate change stress.

The Technology Behind the Discovery

The research implemented multiple state-of-the-art methods:

• High-resolution sub-seafloor layer mapping was achieved through seismic reflection profiling techniques.
• Sediment core sampling techniques enabled scientists to determine ages and analyze material composition within mud waves.
• Researchers employed ocean current modeling to determine the mechanisms that allowed these structures to endure more than 100 million years.

The scientific tools enabled researchers to study the Atlantic’s geological history in an unmatched level of clarity.

A Glimpse Into Earth’s Deep Past

This discovery holds great value because it enables storytelling about the past.

According to a recent report by The Times of India, the discovery is already reshaping global geological timelines.

The mud waves represent more than geological formations since they serve as historical links which connect our present to a vanished world. The geological records showcase how the supercontinent fragmented while a new ocean emerged and major climatic events reshaped Earth’s biological evolution.

The existence of hidden structures beneath the Atlantic Ocean fascinates some individuals because they recall the legendary myth of Atlantis. The scientific community has not found any evidence to connect mud waves with Plato’s myth of Atlantis though the concept of vanished civilizations and underwater mysteries continues to intrigue people.

Future Research Directions

The research team intends to conduct an expanded survey of other Atlantic basin regions to determine if similar mud wave systems exist throughout the basin.

Geopolitical shifts driven by ocean discoveries can influence global power balances, much like the unfolding dynamics in Eastern Europe, as explored in our analysis of possible outcomes in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

The research team aims to drill deeper into sediment layers to obtain older records from pre-Atlantic times.

The success of these studies depends on international cooperation because they need advanced vessels and drilling equipment together with experts who specialize in geology oceanography and climate science.

Conclusion: Changing the Way We See the Atlantic

The discovery of 117-million-year-old mud waves under the Atlantic Ocean marks a historic milestone in marine geology research. This finding modifies our understanding of ocean formation timing and enhances knowledge about deep-time interactions between geological forces and climatic processes.

Scientists expanded the Atlantic’s historical record by millions of years which revealed a new phase in Earth’s story that connects continental movement with ancient ocean rhythms and climate patterns across time.

The seafloor continues to yield new discoveries as researchers continue their exploration of its depths.