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Daily Read: Science

Earth's Core May Be Leaking, Scientists Suggest

Scientists have discovered evidence that the Earth's core and mantle may be interacting, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's interior. Researchers found that two massive regions at the base of the mantle, known as large low shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs), have a large grain size and are likely ancient reservoirs that preserve material from the Earth's formation. The discovery of ruthenium in volcanic rocks suggests that material may be leaking from the core, rising through the LLSVPs.

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The essential points

  1. 01Scientists have found evidence of interaction between the Earth's core and mantle.
  2. 02The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the planet's interior.
  3. 03Two massive regions at the base of the mantle, known as LLSVPs, have a large grain size and are likely ancient reservoirs.
  4. 04The presence of ruthenium in volcanic rocks suggests that material may be leaking from the core.
The full brief

Scientists have discovered evidence that the Earth's core and mantle may be interacting, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's interior. Researchers found that two massive regions at the base of the mantle, known as large low shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs), have a large grain size and are likely ancient reservoirs that preserve material from the Earth's formation. The discovery of ruthenium in volcanic rocks suggests that material may be leaking from the core, rising through the LLSVPs.