A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications reveals that solar radiation may influence Earth's deep interior, challenging previous understandings of our planet's internal dynamics.
Researchers from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China University of Geosciences, and the University of Bucharest conducted an extensive analysis of magma samples collected globally. By examining melt inclusions within olivine minerals and bulk rock data, the team determined the redox state of arc magma across different latitudes.
The findings indicate that magma in lower-latitude regions is less oxidized compared to higher latitudes. This variation is linked to temperature gradients on the sea surface, driven by solar radiation, which affect the distribution of carbon-rich marine life. As these organisms are subducted into Earth's mantle, they alter the redox conditions of arc magma.
Wan Bo, a co-author and researcher at IGG, stated, \"This unexpected pattern suggests that the Earth's surface environment and climate, influenced by solar radiation, have a profound effect on mantle processes.\" The study also highlights the implications for the availability of critical metal ores like copper, tin, and lithium, which are sensitive to redox conditions.
Hu Fangyang, the corresponding author, added, \"The observed pattern offers new directions for exploring resources and understanding the environmental effects of subduction systems at different latitudes.\" This research opens new avenues for both geological exploration and understanding the interconnectedness of Earth's surface and deep interior.
Reference(s):
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