A study published by scientists at the Carnegie Research Center drew attention by presenting alarming data. According to the researchers' analyses, the Earth's mantle, a layer of lava that is under our feet, is cooling rapidly. To reach this conclusion, specialists carried out innovative studies using a method that mimicked the behavior of the terrestrial mantle. In this way, the most internal and external environments of the mantle were recreated using diamonds.
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Thus, scientists were able to reach the conclusion that the rate of cooling of the Earth's mantle is faster than expected. In addition, scholars have pointed to the conductivity of minerals as a possible reason for the phenomenon.
Since the “bridgmanite” ore layer, which means magnesium silicate, is inaccessible, there were no concrete studies on its thermal conductivity. However, the scientists thought of a practical solution: to replicate this environment under controlled conditions in the laboratory. In this way, an optical absorption measurement system was elaborated with the help of a superheated diamond. With this, it was possible to observe the thermal conduction capacity of bridgmanite.
However, scientists were taken by surprise to discover that the heat flux happening at the bottom of the Earth is greater than expected. At this rate, the process of metallic convection would be accelerated, which could lead to a cooling of the planet.
Still according to the published study, the impacts of an accelerated metallic convection can happen on a large scale. Among these impacts is the possible change in the movement of tectonic plates, which could slow down with rapid cooling.
It is worth mentioning that this deceleration movement was already expected, but not at this speed. In addition, scientists also point out that there is a possibility of alteration in the phases of minerals, located between the mantle and the Earth's crust. Finally, the researchers emphasize that this variation could mean an evolution in terrestrial dynamics. That is, it demonstrates that the Earth, as well as other planets, is getting colder and less active very quickly.
If you are interested in reading the full study, the discussion is available in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters. And don't forget to share this article with friends who also love science!
