Articles tagged with Earth Mantle
Scientists have made significant findings on continental subduction, revealing the processes that occur within subduction channels and their impact on collision orogeny. These studies focus on the interaction between the deeply subducted crust and the overlying mantle wedge under ultrahigh pressure conditions.
Scientists have detected previously unknown channels of slow-moving seismic waves in Earth's upper mantle, helping explain the formation of hotspot volcanoes like Hawaii and Tahiti. The discovery provides an important piece of the puzzle in understanding these volcanoes' complex interactions with plumes and the shallow upper mantle.
Researchers have successfully simulated pressure conditions in the deep lower mantle, measuring thermal conductivity and finding heat transfer to be lower than expected. The study estimates a total heat flow of 10.4 terawatts across the Earth, about 60% of human civilization's power usage.
Researchers at MIT have identified a hidden reservoir of lead-laden rocks in the Earth's mantle, which would make the planet's composition more similar to meteorites. This discovery could help explain the Earth's origins and provide insights into its evolution through history.
Research at University of Liverpool found variations in Earth's core affect day length over periods of one to 10 years. The study resolves previously poorly characterised changes and provides new insight into the chemistry and mineralogy of the Earth's deep interior.
Scientists have discovered that large-scale upwelling in the Earth's mantle is mostly concentrated beneath Africa and the Central Pacific, with these locations remaining remarkably stable over geological time. This discovery provides a framework for understanding how mantle dynamics are linked to surface geology.
Researchers from Syracuse University argue that the Earth's mantle plays a significant role in shaping the coastline and estimating long-term sea-level rise. The team's findings suggest that the shoreline has been uplifted by over 210 feet, indicating less ice melting than expected.
Researchers found ancient shorelines can be pushed up by Earth's hot mantle, making them appear higher now than they originally were millions of years ago. This challenges the previous assumption that high shoreline heights reflect ice sheet collapse and suggests the ice sheets may have been more stable in the past.
Researchers found sulfur-isotope signatures in oceanic lava flows indicating the material originated in Earth's Archean crust. The discovery supports the theory that most of the Archean crust was subducted or folded back into the mantle.
The researchers used a new technique that can probe a sample with an intense X-ray beam and deduce its state within seconds. They determined the melting point of iron up to 4800 degrees Celsius and 2.2 million atmospheres pressure, leading to the estimated temperature at the center of the Earth's core.
Researchers have found that oceanic volcanic rocks contain samples of recycled crust dating back to the Archean era 2.5 billion years ago. The sulfur isotopes in these rocks indicate a chemical interaction with UV radiation that stopped occurring after the Great Oxidation Event.
A team of international researchers led by University of Rhode Island Professor Christopher Kincaid found that severely deformed and defunct pieces of a former mantle plume caused volcanism in the Yellowstone area. The study suggests that circulation currents driven by tectonic plate movement at subduction zones affected the plume, pro...
Researchers have discovered a hidden layer of liquified molten rock in the Earth's mantle, which may be responsible for the sliding motions of massive tectonic plates. The finding has significant implications for understanding geologic functions and processes related to volcanism and earthquakes.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a 25-kilometer-thick layer of partially melted rock below the edge of the Cocos plate, which may be facilitating the sliding motions of tectonic plates. This finding has significant implications for understanding earthquakes and volcanism.
Researchers from New York University and Carleton University find that Earth's interior cycles cause sea-level rise and global warming through mantle plumes. The analysis reveals a connection between geological events below the surface and climate change, suggesting a powerful union between deep-sea geological events and climate shifts.
Researchers have uncovered the microscopic atomic structure of water at high temperatures and pressures, revealing a homogeneous molecular arrangement throughout. The findings provide insights into the unique properties of supercritical water, which may play a key role in geological processes such as ore deposits and volcanic activity.
Researchers describe a new technique based on particle physics that could reveal the composition and characteristics of the deep Earth. The approach relies on a hypothetical fifth force of nature, which could help reconcile conflicting scientific lines of evidence.
Scientists have developed a new approach to study the composition of Earth's deep interior by detecting long-range spin-spin interactions. The technique, which relies on a hypothetical fifth force, could provide new insights into the geophysics and geochemistry of the planet's interior.
Researchers found a Florida-sized zone of partly molten rock beneath the Pacific Ocean, which could trigger massive eruptions. The collision between two or more continent-sized piles may lead to supervolcano-like eruptions and large igneous provinces.
Researchers found that a region in western North Carolina experienced a geological 'facelift' around 8 million years ago, with gentle hills and abundant waterfalls forming where steeper terrain existed previously. This uplift is attributed to the earth's mantle, which can well up and push the crust upward.
A team of scientists has discovered that magma can form at depths of up to 250 kilometers in the Earth's mantle, a finding that challenges existing theories and sheds new light on the planet's inner workings. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth's geophysical and geochemical properties.
Researchers at Rice University have found that magma forms as deep as 250 kilometers in the Earth's mantle, a discovery that challenges previous theories on melting depth. This finding also sheds light on the planet's interior and surface connection, revealing new insights into geological processes.
A new model developed by Southwest Research Institute reconciles the Moon's Earth-like composition with the giant impact theory of formation. The model involves larger impacts and produces an Earth that rotates faster than implied, but a subsequent resonant interaction could have decreased the angular momentum.
The study on the South Tibetan fault system reveals a minimum displacement of approx. 65 km, suggesting normal faulting played a fundamental role in the Himalayas' evolution. Meanwhile, researchers have discovered glaciation records in the James Bay Lowland, Canada, dating back to 3.5 Ma.
A new study explores the largest kill-off in Earth history, shedding light on the competing roles of tectonics and climate in shaping landscapes. Researchers also investigate the early diagenesis of sulfur in a tropical upwelling system and uncover the origins of belemnites, a group of Mesozoic cephalopods.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a connection between changes in heat flow from the Earth's core into the base of the overlying mantle and variations in the long-term reversal rate of the magnetic field. The study suggests that this process may lead to an increase in large igneous provinces, potentially affect...
A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that rapid mantle convection may influence the Earth's magnetic field, which is produced by convection currents in the liquid core. The research team found that changes in heat flow and density distribution in the mantle could lead to more frequent or less frequent geomagnetic reversals.
Scientists recreated extreme conditions at Earth's core-mantle boundary using X-rays, showing that partially molten rock is buoyant and should segregate towards the surface. This evidence supports the theory that volcanic hotspots like the Hawaiian Islands originate from mantle plumes generated at the Earth's core-mantle boundary.
Recent research analyzed two Martian meteorites from within the Red Planet's interior, revealing a vast amount of water similar to Earth's. This discovery raises the possibility that Mars could have sustained life and suggests volcanoes as the primary vehicle for getting water to the surface.
Scientists uncover bacterial fossils in ancient rocks, revealing clues about life on Mars and the formation of iron oxide minerals. Researchers also study volcanic fields to predict future eruptions and develop warning systems for high-population zones and remote communities like Tristan da Cunha.
Researchers have discovered that Mars' interior contains more water than previously thought, with implications for the planet's geological history. Additionally, a study of ancient stromatolites suggests that reef-building may have occurred earlier than previously believed, challenging current models of ecosystem development.
Researchers discovered fluids flow through solid rock at a much faster rate than previously thought, with pulses occurring in a relatively short time along defined paths. This challenges current understanding of the formation of volcanic arcs and their connection to earthquake events.
Researchers at Princeton University report that a sharp drop in mantle melting 2.5 billion years ago coincided with the Great Oxygenation Event, allowing free oxygen molecules to proliferate. The study suggests that diminished mantle melting decreased the output of reactive gases into the atmosphere.
Researchers analyze seismic data from India to understand past and present Earth dynamics. They also discuss the importance of studying forearc crust and ophiolites to understand subduction zone formation. Additionally, experiments reveal the melting of sediments at high pressures and temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a unique volcanic process called fluidised spray granulation, which creates well-rounded particles containing diamond fragments. This process has significant implications for understanding eruption dynamics and constraints on vent conditions, particularly gas velocity.
Barbara Romanowicz, a renowned seismologist and UC Berkeley professor, has made groundbreaking contributions to global seismology. Her research has been instrumental in advancing body-wave studies of the inner core and normal-mode studies of the Earth's density distribution.
Researchers are conducting a seismic survey at the Mariana trench to map the distribution of serpentinite in subducting plates and overlying mantle. This will help understand island-arc volcanism and subduction-zone earthquakes, which are among the most powerful in the world.
Marin Clark's study challenges the long-held theory of plate tectonics by suggesting that mantle strength, not mountain height, is the key factor controlling convergence. The Indian sub-continent will halt its collision with Eurasia in about 20 million years due to the strong uppermost mantle beneath Tibet and the Himalayas.
A University of Maryland team discovered that early-formed mantle portions survived Earth's formation, including a collision that created the Moon. Volcanic rocks from Russia show distinct tungsten isotope signatures, indicating that some parts of the early Earth may have remained intact until 2.8 billion years ago.
Scientists propose mass melting as new force behind volcanic activity in eastern Oregon, suggesting a dynamic rupture lasting two million years across the Farallon slab. The study aims to explain the origins of sudden, massive eruptions of lava at the planet's surface.
Scientists have discovered a new kind of metal in iron oxide at extreme depths, challenging previous assumptions about its behavior. The findings suggest that iron oxide can be both an insulator and a highly conducting metal depending on temperature and pressure conditions.
WHOI scientists Henry Dick and Joe Pedlosky received prestigious medals from the American Geophysical Union. Dick was awarded the Harry H. Hess Medal for his work on the mantle melting and ocean crust formation along global ocean ridges.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that carbon-rich planets could form with a core and mantle, but these cores would be very carbon-rich and mantles dominated by diamond. This means no geothermal energy, plate tectonics, or magnetic field on such planets.
The December 2011 Geology issue presents several studies. Researchers discovered microfossils in the Tayshir Formation, Mongolia, shedding light on ancient life forms. Additionally, a study investigated melt migration mechanisms, finding evidence for porosity waves in the sub-arc mantle of Kohistan Island Arc.
Scientists propose a novel mechanism for generating a magnetic field on the moon, driven by physical stirring of the liquid core. The 'geodynamo' could have operated for at least a billion years, explaining the presence of magnetized rocks and making predictions about the strength of the field over time.
Researchers found evidence of oceanic crust in ultra-deep diamonds, suggesting it can be transported from the lower to upper mantle via large-scale upwelling. The discovery provides new insights into the Earth's mantle recycling process.
Researchers have found evidence of the carbon cycle extending to the lower mantle, where it is believed to originate from ocean crust. The discovery was made in 'superdeep' diamonds from Brazil that contain inclusions with chemical compositions indicative of deep-sea environments.
A new model suggests that Siberian mantle plume contained recycled oceanic crust, leading to exceptional magmatic eruptions and mass extinction. The team's study provides new insights into the origin of the Siberian Traps and their relation to the Permo-Triassic mass extinction event.
Researchers discovered that flood basalts contain traces of ancient Earth's primitive mantle, challenging previous theories. The findings suggest that a significant fraction of large volcanic events originate from a modern mantle source similar to the primitive reservoir found in northern Canada and Greenland.
A new study simulates small-scale convection at the base of the Pacific plate to explain the Hawaiian hotspot's complex observations, including secondary volcanism and chemical asymmetry. The findings provide insight into the composition and dynamics of the mantle.
A new model suggests that heat flow at the core-mantle boundary varies depending on the structure of the overlying mantle, causing localized melting. This phenomenon is linked to plate tectonics and affects the Earth's magnetic field generation.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new methodology for calculating model ages of continental crust formation. This approach uses the isotope composition of newly formed crust to estimate age, resulting in significantly younger and more consistent dates than previous methods based on mantle isotopes.
Recent studies by University of Rhode Island scientist Katherine Kelley reveal that the Earth's mantle is highly oxidized due to exposure to oxygen during its formation. The findings suggest that oxygen from subduction zones controls mineral composition and gas behavior in the mantle, influencing volcanic eruptions.
A team of scientists found that the abundance of metal-loving elements in Earth's, Moon's, and Mars' mantles were delivered by massive impactors during the final phase of planet formation. The largest impactor on Earth may have modified its obliquity by approximately 10 degrees.
The December 2010 Lithosphere issue presents various studies on tectonic histories, fault activity, and mantle deformation. Researchers analyze the Llano Uplift in Texas, the Kern Canyon fault in California, and the Twin Sisters ultramafic body in Washington State, among other locations.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a method to measure the movement of the Earth's deep interior, which controls continents and ocean locations. This technique uses seismic waves to study the properties of a mysterious layer called D″, where the mantle meets the core.
Researchers successfully recreated the conditions deep in the Earth's mantle to study the behavior of post-perovskite, a mineral that helps explain faster seismic waves. The discovery provides new insights into the earth's internal heating and cooling processes.
Researchers confirm partial melting of mantle at 2900 km depth, revealing a deep magma ocean. The study uses X-ray diffraction to characterize the passage from solid to liquid state, shedding light on the dynamics and composition of the Earth's depths.
Researchers examine how silicic magma contributes to continental crust growth, the dynamics of the Tibetan Plateau's formation, and the nature of earthquakes in the Eastern Carpathians. New data suggest that continental delamination may be responsible for seismic activity in this region.
Researchers recreated high pressures using a diamond-anvil cell and found unusual properties in iron-rich magnesium-iron oxide minerals. These findings suggest that ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs) at the core-mantle boundary may be composed of solid, compositionally distinctive rocks rather than liquid-bearing materials.