Scientists have discovered that the Earth’s core, the deepest part of our planet, is ‘leaking’ gold and other precious metals. Almost 99.9% of Earth's gold is concealed at its center, hidden beneath miles of rock. However, a recent study reveals that some metals are migrating from the core to the Earth's surface.
What Was Uncovered in the Study?
Researchers from Germany's Göttingen University examined volcanic rocks from the Hawaiian Islands. In these rocks, they found a precious metal called Ruthenium, only possible from the Earth’s core-mantle boundary. This boundary lies 2,900 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface. Scientist Nils Meslén exclaimed it was as if they had genuinely discovered gold.
Structure of the Earth
The Earth is made up of three main layers...
Source: aajtak
Crust: This is the Earth's outermost and thinnest layer.
Mantle: The intermediate layer, composed of thick rocks, and it is the largest layer of the planet.
Core: This is Earth's center, comprised of two parts - the outer core, a swirling sea of molten metals, and the inner core, a solid ball of iron.
The core contains gold, Ruthenium, and other precious metals, trapped since Earth's formation.
Significance of Hawaii
Scientists examined the rocks of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano for Ruthenium. They discovered it originates from the core, not the mantle, affirming that metals like gold and other valuables ascend from the core to the surface, potentially explaining the gold we mine today.
Source: aajtak
Why is This Discovery Important?
This study reveals that the Earth’s core is not as isolated as previously believed. Thermal rocks and metals rise through the mantle. Islands like Hawaii are formed by these thermal plumes, which begin at the core-mantle boundary and ascend to the surface, creating volcanoes.
What Have We Learned?
The Earth’s core is leaking gold and precious metals, and the volcanoes of Hawaii serve as evidence that surface-bound materials originate from the core. This discovery provides significant insights into Earth’s structure and the formation of islands like Hawaii. It unlocks the mysteries of Earth's core and suggests how our planet’s gold and precious metals undertake a long journey from the core to the surface. Researchers are now eager to explore further into the connections between Earth's core and mantle.
