What geological feature may explain why the Appalachian Mountains are still standing tall?

The presence of newly discovered hot rock in the asthenosphere is significant in understanding why the Appalachian Mountains have maintained their elevation over time. The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle that allows tectonic plates to move. When hot rock is present in this layer, it can create conditions that support the stability and elevation of mountain ranges.

In the context of the Appalachian Mountains, this potentially indicates that there are ongoing geological processes that help maintain their structure despite the natural processes of erosion that typically wear down mountains. This heat can influence the behavior of the rocks above, providing them with strength and resilience against the forces that would typically lead to their degradation.

Other geological processes, such as significant changes in tectonic activity or shifts in sea levels, can impact mountain ranges but may lead to different outcomes than simply maintaining their height. Increased erosion levels tend to wear down mountains over time rather than preserving them. Thus, the discovery of hot rock in the asthenosphere offers a plausible explanation for how the Appalachian Mountains remain prominent in the landscape.