Scientists have detected a mysterious gravitational anomaly off the coast of Africa. Satellite data indicates a change deep within the Earth, linked to processes in the lower mantle and a deformation of the planet’s outer core. The full consequences of these transformations remain unknown.
Researchers detected an unusual shift in Earth’s gravitational field near the western coast of Africa. The anomaly was recorded by satellites from the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) mission, as reported by Daily Galaxy.
According to a team of geophysicists led by Isabelle Panet of Gustave Eiffel University in Paris, the change may be caused by processes in the Earth’s lower mantle. Specifically, the researchers hypothesize an increase in the density of the mineral perovskite under extreme pressure. This could have led to a deformation of the planet’s outer core by approximately 10 centimeters.
While such changes may seem minor, experts emphasize their massive significance for the Earth’s internal structure. The movement of the liquid outer core, which consists of molten iron and nickel, is responsible for generating the planet’s magnetic field—our shield against solar wind. How this deformation will impact the magnetic field is not yet known.
Scientists estimate that the detected shift may have occurred between 2006 and 2008, but it was only identified decades later. It is possible that this is part of a natural cyclic process, and new, similar anomalies may arise in the future.
A separate surprise for the researchers was that such deep internal changes were not accompanied by powerful earthquakes or other catastrophic phenomena. Experts warn that the anomaly’s consequences may only become apparent over time.
