New terrestrial layer? Scientists discover mysterious structure surrounding Earth’s core

Although we have gained vast knowledge about the Universeit is surprising to realize that information about the very planet we inhabit remains relatively limited.

This is because studies dedicated to unraveling the geological mysteries of our planet are not easily carried out, given the extreme difficulty in investigating the deep layers of the soil due to high temperatures and crushing pressure.

Therefore, a recent geological study has become the center of attention of the scientific community. Their results suggest the existence of a large underground ocean between the Earth’s mantle and core, challenging our understanding of humans and the Earth. planet.

Planet Earth may have an oceanic layer surrounding its core

Image: University of Alabama/Reproduction

Published in the renowned scientific journal Science Advances In April of this year, the study, conducted by scientists at the University of Alabama, brings a stunning discovery.

The team identified a thin and dense ocean layer located approximately 2,900 kilometers below the Earth’s surface, between the core and mantle of our planet.

This previously unknown structure was observed in the core-mantle boundary (CMB) region, where molten metallic fluids meet the rocky structure of the mantle.

This discovery was made possible thanks to a high-resolution map of the geology beneath Earth’s Southern Hemisphere, created from seismic images of the planet’s interior and revealing what scientists believe to be an ancient ocean floor.

Until then, only isolated patches of this formation had been observed. About this, geologist Samantha Hansen, from the University of Alabama, explains:

“We are discovering that this structure is much more complicated than previously thought. Our research provides important connections between Earth’s surface and deep structure and the overall processes that drive our planet.”

How did the study make this discovery?

A type of high-quality radiography, which highlights ultra-low sound speed zones (ULVZs) and indicates the presence of ancient ocean floors, was obtained from data from 15 different seismological stations, located in Antarctica.

One of the study’s authors, Dr. Edward Garnero, from Arizona State University, revealed that, in his team’s reading, with the method used and the attenuation data of earthquakesULVZs can be tens of kilometers thick.

“We are looking at mountains at the core, in some places up to 5 times the height of Mount Everest.”

The fact is that, today, the scientific community knows more about the Universe than about the mysteries of the center of the Earth or even the oceans. Therefore, studies like this are extremely important to uncover important parts about our home.