Scientists Discover Donut-Shaped Structure Inside Earth's Core
Researchers believe that this discovery will help them better understand how the magnetic field changes over time and its implications for planetary habitability, even on other celestial bodies.
A team of researchers from the Australian National University has uncovered a surprising donut-shaped structure within Earth's liquid core that could play a significant role in influencing the planet's magnetic field. The discovery was made using a novel seismic wave technique that allowed scientists to detect this hidden formation, located around the Earth's equator and several hundred kilometers thick.
Traditionally, Earth's core has been understood to consist of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. This newly identified "donut" resides in the upper portion of the outer core, near the boundary with Earth's mantle. The seismic waves that travel through this region were found to move more slowly than elsewhere, indicating a higher concentration of lighter elements.
The presence of these lighter elements, combined with temperature differences, may contribute to fluid motion within the outer core, impacting the dynamics of Earth's magnetic field. This magnetic field is crucial for maintaining life on the planet, as it protects against harmful solar radiation. Researchers believe that this discovery will help them better understand how the magnetic field changes over time and its implications for planetary habitability, even on other celestial bodies.
This finding, published in Science Advances, opens up new avenues for further exploration of the Earth's core and its broader implications for planetary science.