Scientists from Yale and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have put forth a groundbreaking theory regarding the origins of precious metals like gold and platinum, shedding light on their unexpected presence in shallow pockets within Earth’s mantle. This revelation challenges conventional wisdom and provides intriguing insights into planet formation across the universe.
In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Jun Korenaga, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Yale, and Simone Marchi, a researcher at SwRI in Boulder, Colorado, unveiled their compelling theory.
Traditionally, it was believed that gold and platinum arrived on Earth billions of years ago as a result of collisions between the early proto-Earth and sizable celestial bodies in space. These collisions left behind material deposits that eventually became part of our planet. However, the precise mechanism by which these precious metals ended up in shallow regions of Earth’s mantle instead of sinking into the metallic core remained a mystery.
Gold and platinum are known as highly “siderophile” elements, with a strong affinity for iron. According to expectations, they should have predominantly accumulated in Earth’s metallic core, either by directly merging with it during impact events or swiftly descending from the mantle into the core. Yet, contrary to these predictions, they are found closer to the Earth’s surface.
Korenaga and Marchi’s theory centers on a thin, “transient” region of the mantle, characterized by a partial melting of the shallow mantle while the deeper portion remains solid. This unique region exhibits dynamic properties that efficiently capture falling metallic components and gradually transport them throughout the mantle.
The researchers propose that this ongoing delivery process has resulted in the formation of “large low-shear-velocity provinces,” which are well-known geophysical anomalies in the deep mantle. Importantly, this transient mantle region consistently forms when significant impact events occur on early Earth, rendering their theory robust and plausible.
Remarkably, despite taking place over a relatively short timespan—approximately a day—the influence of the transient mantle region on Earth’s subsequent evolution has endured for billions of years, showcasing the remarkable intricacies of Earth’s formation.
This groundbreaking research, supported by funding from NASA and the National Science Foundation, not only demystifies previously perplexing aspects of Earth’s geochemical and geophysical evolution but also highlights the complex temporal scales involved in our planet’s formation. For more in-depth information on this groundbreaking research, refer to the study titled “Vestiges of impact-driven three-phase mixing in the chemistry and structure of Earth’s mantle” by Jun Korenaga and Simone Marchi, published on October 9, 2023, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309181120).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gold’s Origins
What is the central focus of the research presented in this text?
The research delves into the unexpected presence of precious metals, including gold and platinum, in shallow pockets within Earth’s mantle, challenging traditional beliefs about their origins.
How do gold and platinum typically form on Earth?
Traditionally, it was believed that gold and platinum came to Earth through collisions with large celestial bodies in space during its early history.
What makes the presence of gold and platinum in shallow mantle regions surprising?
Gold and platinum are highly attracted to iron and would be expected to accumulate in Earth’s metallic core. However, they are found closer to the planet’s surface, contrary to these expectations.
What is the key concept proposed in the research?
The research introduces a novel theory that focuses on a “transient” region of the mantle, where partial melting of the shallow mantle occurs while the deeper part remains solid. This region captures and gradually distributes metallic components, explaining the presence of gold and platinum in shallow pockets.
How long does the process described in the theory take?
Remarkably, the dynamics of the transient mantle region occur within a short timeframe of approximately a day. Nevertheless, its influence on Earth’s evolution has persisted for billions of years.
What are the broader implications of this research?
This research not only clarifies previously enigmatic aspects of Earth’s geochemical and geophysical evolution but also provides insights into the intricate processes involved in planet formation throughout the universe.
Where can I find the full research study?
The complete research study, titled “Vestiges of impact-driven three-phase mixing in the chemistry and structure of Earth’s mantle” by Jun Korenaga and Simone Marchi, was published on October 9, 2023, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309181120).
More about Gold’s Origins
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2309181120)
- Yale University Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)
- NASA
- National Science Foundation
5 comments
gr8 job explainin’ complex stuff, keep it up!
DOI link? Wanna read more abt this!
Interesting theory on gold’s origin! Surprised by findings.
gold shud be core, but no, weird mantle thingy. Cool.
gold platinum collisons wierd mantel. gr8 story!