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A groundbreaking study by Göttingen University has unveiled significant findings from volcanic rocks in Hawaii, revealing the presence of precious metals that have ”literally struck gold” according to the research team.
The volcanic rocks, originating from deep within the lithosphere, exhibited traces of various valuable metals, surprising scientists involved in the research.
Dr. Nils Messling, from Göttingen University’s Department of Geochemistry, shared insights about the unexpected test results. He stated that the discovery confirms materials from Earth’s core, including gold and other precious metals, are surfacing in the Earth’s mantle above.
”When the first results came in, we realized that we had literally struck gold! Our data confirmed that material from the core, including gold and other precious metals, is leaking into the Earth’s mantle above,” said Messling.
The Depth of Gold in Earth’s Core
Approximately 99% of Earth’s gold is located deep within its Metallic Core, around 1,800 miles beneath the surface. This core is far beyond the reach of current human technology and exploration.
This significant discovery of ruthenium, which forms and binds with gold, suggests that the volcanic rocks may be sourced from deep within the Earth’s layers.
Implications of Volcanic Activity
Researchers have noted the connection between volcanic activity and the materials that surface from the Earth’s interior. For instance, the findings coincide with recent volcanic events, such as Kilauea’s spectacular 1,000-foot lava fountain.
”Our findings not only show that the Earth’s core is not as isolated as previously assumed. We can now also prove that huge volumes of super-heated mantle material, several hundreds of quadrillion metric tonnes of rock, originate at the core-mantle boundary and rise to the Earth’s surface to form ocean islands like Hawaii,” commented Professor Matthias Willbold in a news release.
New Techniques in Isotope Testing
Testing for isotopes of ruthenium presented challenges earlier due to minimal differences between those found in Earth’s core and those on the surface.
However, Göttingen University’s innovative procedures have now made accurate detection of these isotopes feasible, opening new avenues in geochemical research.
”Whether these processes that we observe today have also been operating in the past remains to be proven. Our findings open up an entirely new perspective on the evolution of the inner dynamics of our home planet,” Messling remarked.
The Future of Precious Metals and Renewable Energy
The research implies that the emergence of precious metals to the Earth’s surface could reshape our understanding of resource supply, particularly for those crucial to renewable energy solutions.
By identifying how gold and similar metals seep from the depths of the Earth, scientists might better understand their availability and role in sustainable technologies.
This kind of research serves not only the scientific community but also industries reliant on these critical materials, potentially revolutionizing how we approach resource extraction and sustainability.
Final Thoughts
As researchers continue to explore the depths of the Earth and its dynamic processes, discoveries like these remind us of the complex relationships between our planet’s inner workings and the resources we depend upon.
With new techniques and perspectives, future studies will likely further illuminate how our planet functions and the treasures it holds beneath its surface.
