Sean Cate
Sean Cate
April 20, 2023 ·  2 min read

Earth’s Core Appears to Be Wrapped in an Ancient Ocean Floor

A recent study suggests that the Earth’s core may be wrapped in an unexpected, ancient ocean. This discovery could help explain how the Earth’s magnetic field is generated and maintained, which is crucial for life on Earth.

The Unexpected Structure

The study used seismic data to image the structure of the Earth’s core, which is located approximately 2,900 km beneath the Earth’s surface. The data revealed that the core appears wrapped in a structure distinct from the surrounding mantle and crust.

Upon further analysis, the structure’s material seems to be what’s left of an ancient ocean, potentially encompassing the entire planet’s core. 

Implications for Earth’s Magnetic Field

The discovery of this unexpected structure could significantly affect our understanding of the Earth’s magnetic field. The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the motion of liquid iron in the outer core, which is believed to be responsible for the Earth’s magnetic field.

However, the exact mechanism by which the Earth’s magnetic field is generated and maintained is still not fully understood. The discovery of this structure could help explain how the Earth’s magnetic field is generated and maintained and how it has evolved.

The structure could act as a barrier to the flow of liquid iron in the outer core, which could affect the motion of the liquid iron and, in turn, the generation of the Earth’s magnetic field. The discovery of this unexpected structure could also help explain why the Earth’s magnetic field has been relatively stable over long periods, despite fluctuations in the motion of the liquid iron in the outer core.

Further Research

While the discovery of this unexpected structure is significant, much research must be done to fully understand its implications. The researchers plan to continue studying the structure of the Earth’s core using seismic data and other techniques to gain a better understanding of the Earth’s magnetic field.

The discovery of a hypothetical ancient ocean potentially wrapping all of the Earth’s core could have significant implications for our understanding of the Earth’s magnetic field. The structure may help explain how the Earth’s magnetic field is generated and maintained, which is crucial for life on Earth.

However, further research is needed to fully understand the implications of this discovery and its potential impact on our understanding of the Earth’s magnetic field. The study highlights the importance of ongoing research into the Earth’s core and its role in shaping the planet we live on.

H/t Science Alert, University of Alabama