In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found that Earth’s core is leaking precious metals, including gold, into the planet’s upper layers. This revelation challenges the long-held belief that the core is geochemically isolated from the mantle and crust.
Researchers from the University of Göttingen in Germany conducted isotopic analyses of volcanic rocks from Hawaii. They detected elevated levels of the ruthenium isotope ^100Ru, which is more abundant in Earth’s core than in the mantle or crust. This finding indicates that material from the core is migrating upward through mantle plumes and reaching the surface via volcanic activity.
Dr. Nils Messling, a geochemist involved in the study, stated, “Our data confirmed that material from the core, including gold and other precious metals, is leaking into the Earth’s mantle above.” This suggests a more dynamic interaction between Earth’s core and its outer layers than previously understood.
The study, published in the journal Nature, implies that over geological timescales, significant quantities of precious metals have been transported from the core to the surface. This process may contribute to the formation of mineral deposits accessible for mining.
While the prospect of tapping into Earth’s core for resources remains beyond current technological capabilities, this discovery provides valuable insights into the planet’s internal processes and the distribution of precious metals.
