Record-breaking hole drilled into the Earth's mantle is a scientific goldmine

[Judi Lynn]

08-08-2024

By Eric Ralls
Earth.com staff writer

In what can only be described as a herculean accomplishment, a team of scientists has succeeded in bringing to the surface a long, 1,268-meter section of rocks from the Earth’s Mantle. This layer, hidden beneath the crust, forms the largest chunk of our planet.

The insights gained from this discovery open doors to a profound understanding of our planet’s inner workings, offering a peek into life’s origins, the causes behind volcanic activities, and the global cycles of elements vital to our existence such as carbon and hydrogen.

Understanding Earth’s interior

The Earth is composed of four primary layers: the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. At the surface, we find the crust, which is thin and solid, primarily made of rock, representing the layer where we reside.

Below the crust lies the mantle, a substantial layer of semi-solid rock that flows gradually over time. This dynamic layer is crucial, as it drives the movement of tectonic plates, resulting in earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Delving deeper, the outer core consists of liquid metal, predominantly iron and nickel, and is responsible for generating Earth’s magnetic field through its movements.

More:
https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-hole-drilled-into-earths-mantle-scientific-goldmine-magma-life/