Massive Rock Blobs at Earth's Mantle Base Influence Magnetic Field
Researchers have identified that immense, ultra-hot rock structures at the base of Earth's mantle affect the planet's magnetic field by influencing the flow of liquid iron in the outer core.
Scientists from the University of Liverpool have discovered that two colossal, ultra-hot rock formations located approximately 2,900 kilometers beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean are impacting Earth's magnetic field. These structures, encircled by cooler rock, influence the flow of liquid iron in the outer core, which is responsible for generating the magnetic field.
The research team combined palaeomagnetic observations with advanced computer simulations to reconstruct the behavior of Earth's magnetic field over the past 265 million years. Their findings indicate that the upper boundary of the outer core exhibits significant thermal contrasts, with localized hot regions beneath these massive rock formations.
Professor Andy Biggin, a geomagnetism expert at the University of Liverpool, stated that these insights enhance our understanding of the deep Earth's dynamic evolution and its stable properties. He also noted that the findings have implications for ancient continental configurations, such as the formation and breakup of Pangaea, and may help resolve uncertainties in ancient climate, palaeobiology, and natural resource formation.
The study, titled 'Mantle heterogeneity influenced Earth's ancient magnetic field,' was published in Nature Geoscience. It was conducted by the DEEP research group at the University of Liverpool's School of Environmental Sciences, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Leeds.