Its existence was previously not known because no new examples have been formed in millions of years. As a result, the new basalt type lay buried deep beneath sediment at the bottom of the ocean.

By tracking the changes in orientation within the lava as more basalt formed during the journey, the researchers were able to determine how quickly the craton was moving.

A new type of basalt created during large and exceptionally hot volcanic eruptions has been discovered beneath the Pacific Ocean.

Eastern Oregon's rugged landscape of volcanic basalt, formed millions of years ago by massive lava flows, has long nurtured fertile soil for farming and ranching.

The newly-discovered basalt is distinct from known rocks in both its chemical and mineral makeup. Its existence was previously not known because no new examples have been formed in millions of years.