Groundbreaking Research Reveals New Insights into Deep Earth Chemistry
Recent experiments and advanced supercomputer simulations have uncovered a surprising transformation in iron oxide under extreme conditions found in Earth’s deep interior. This discovery, published in Physical Review Letters, could revolutionize our understanding of our planet’s core dynamics and its protective magnetic field.
Iron oxide (FeO), a component of ferropericlase – the second most abundant mineral in Earth’s lower mantle – undergoes an unexpected transition when subjected to immense pressures and temperatures. Contrary to previous assumptions, researchers found that FeO transitions from an insulator to a highly conductive metal at approximately 690,000 atmospheres and 3000°F without changing its crystal structure.
Implications for Earth’s Magnetic Field
This newfound metallic phase of iron oxide could significantly enhance the electromagnetic interaction between Earth’s liquid core and lower mantle. As a result, it may alter how the planet’s magnetic field, generated in the outer core, propagates to the surface.
Unexpected Chemical Behavior
Further studies have revealed even more surprising chemical behaviors in the Fe-O-H system under deep Earth conditions:
- Iron remains in a ferrous, spin-paired, and non-magnetic state at pressures between 60-133 GPa.
- The presence of hydrogen has minimal effects on iron’s valence.
- Oxygen exhibits a variable valence state around -1, rather than the typical -2 found in other major mantle minerals.
High-Spin Metallic Iron at Core-Mantle Boundary
Recent research has also identified a high-pressure phase characterized by metallic high-spin iron at conditions similar to those at Earth’s core-mantle boundary. This discovery could have significant implications for the geophysical and geochemical properties of our planet’s deep interior.
These findings challenge conventional understanding of how oxygen, iron, and hydrogen behave under extreme pressures and temperatures, potentially leading to a paradigm shift in deep Earth chemistry. As research continues, scientists expect to gain further insights into the complex processes shaping our planet’s interior and its protective magnetic field.
Relevance for Human Survival
Understanding the deep Earth’s chemistry and dynamics is crucial for human survival for several reasons:
- Magnetic field protection: Earth’s magnetic field shields us from harmful solar radiation. Changes in core-mantle interactions could affect this protective shield, impacting life on the surface.
- Climate stability: Deep Earth processes influence long-term climate patterns. Better understanding these mechanisms can help us predict and prepare for future climate changes.
- Natural disaster prediction: Improved knowledge of mantle dynamics can enhance our ability to forecast volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, potentially saving lives.
- Resource exploration: Insights into deep Earth chemistry can guide the search for essential minerals and elements, ensuring sustainable resource management for future generations.
- Planetary habitability: Studying Earth’s interior provides valuable information for assessing the habitability of other planets, which could be crucial for long-term human survival and space exploration.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of our planet’s interior, we gain not only scientific knowledge but also tools to safeguard our future on Earth and beyond.
Read More
[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219112216.htm
[2] https://www.geologyin.com/2016/06/a-new-kind-of-metal-in-deep-earth.html
[3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-08071-3
[4] https://arxiv.org/abs/2004.00652
[5] https://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.107.L241103
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=staL1wr07Sg
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBcsq5szEcQ
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_fuel_cell
3 comments
Stupid BS. The earth core are Piezoelectric meaning it has a very hard diamond/crystal structure with Piezoelectric properties, this is also why earth emits gravitational and magnetically waves.
This is also whereby when u follow the nature you can make free energy generators out of crystal stones because they convert energy to electromagnetic waves and then u can have a pickup coil around the crystal and harvest huge electric powers from it.
These systems are also commonly used in alien space crafts.
That earth scientists more or less always are wrong should by now be commonly known!
How is the geomagnetic field created if we have a diamond core?
The Earth’s core is a complex and fascinating structure that scientists have studied extensively using various methods. Here’s what we know about the Earth’s core in 2024 and how we’ve come to understand its composition and properties:
Composition and Structure – The Earth’s core is primarily composed of iron and nickel, with some lighter elements[1][2]. It is divided into two main parts:
1. Outer core: A liquid layer approximately 2,200 km thick[4].
2. Inner core: A solid sphere with a radius of about 1,220 km[1][4].
How We Know: Seismic Studies – Seismic waves have been instrumental in revealing the core’s structure: S-waves do not penetrate the outer core, indicating its liquid nature[3]. The behavior of seismic waves at the inner-outer core boundary suggests a solid inner core[3]. Seismic waves travel faster along the north-south axis than east-west in the inner core, indicating a crystalline structure[4].
Density and Mass – The Earth’s average density (5.5 g/cm³) is much higher than that of surface rocks (3-3.6 g/cm³), implying a dense core[3]. The core’s density is estimated to be 12.8-13.0 kg/L at the surface, dropping to about 12.1 kg/L in the liquid outer core[1].
Magnetic Field – The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of liquid iron in the outer core, confirming its composition[2].
Crystalline Structure – The inner core, while solid, is not a single large crystal: It’s composed of many small iron crystals packed together[4]. The most likely crystal structure is hexagonal close-packed (HCP)[4]. The crystals are believed to align roughly north-south, matching the Earth’s rotation axis and magnetic field[2].
Temperature and Pressure – The inner core remains solid despite extremely high temperatures (estimated at 5,700 K) due to immense pressure[1]. The temperature at the core-mantle boundary is estimated to be between 3,500-4,500°C[3].
Ongoing Research – Scientists continue to study the core’s composition, with recent estimates suggesting: 8-13% oxygen in the outer core[1]. Possibility of 6-9% silicon in the core, depending on temperature[3]. Presence of other light elements like sulfur, which explains the core’s slightly lower density than pure iron[1][3].
Understanding the Earth’s core is an ongoing process, with new discoveries and theories constantly emerging as our technology and methods improve.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth's_inner_core
[2] https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/earths-mysterious-core
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/lppm8/do_we_really_know_what_earths_core_is_made_of/
[4] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/core/
[5] https://csunshinetoday.csun.edu/education/csun-professor-explains-the-state-of-earths-core-rotation/
[6] https://theconversation.com/the-earths-inner-core-is-a-total-mystery-heres-how-were-starting-to-solve-it-238029
[7] https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/02/24/new-earth-inner-core-layer-metallic-ball/
[8] https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2022/02/14/earths-inner-core-could-exist-as-exotic-matter-between-liquid-and-solid/