Scientists just found a 'doughnut-shaped region' in Earth's core
A group of scientists have discovered what is being described as a "doughnut-shaped region" deep inside the molten metal core of our planet. The discovery, which could help us learn more about our planet¡¯s magnetic field, was made by Australian National University (ANU) seismologists.
Doughnut-shaped structure in Earth's outer core? ?
According to the study, published in the journal Science Advances, the newly discovered doughnut-shaped structure sits within the outer core and is 30 to 70 km thick. However, scientists have not been able to measure the exact thickness of the doughnut-shaped region.
"The region sits parallel to the equatorial plane, is confined to the low latitudes, and has a doughnut shape," Professor Hrvoje Tkal?i?, a geophysicist at ANU, said.
How the?doughnut-shaped region was discovered
The researchers identified the doughnut-shaped region by observing the patterns of seismic waves produced by earthquakes. ¡°We realized that seismic waves slow down in the zone that mathematically is called a torus,¡± he said.
He explained that the structure remained hidden until now, as previous studies collected data with less volumetric coverage of the outer core by observing waves that were typically confined within one hour after the origin times of large earthquakes.
Why the discovery is important?
According to the scientists, understanding the outer core is important, as it is critical to the survival of life at the surface.
Earth's outer core is predominantly made of liquid iron and nickel, and the vigorous movement of the electrically conductive liquid creates Earth's magnetic field, which shields the Earth and helps to sustain all life by protecting it from damaging solar winds and harmful radiation.
The discovery was made possible by a novel approach to seismic wave analysis.
"Like medical doctors who use ultrasound or X-rays, global seismologists can use the waveforms recorded on seismographs worldwide due to the passage of seismic waves after large earthquakes, explosions, impacts, and other natural phenomena," Tkal?i? said.
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