Latest news with #UniversityofGöttingen
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First Post
3 days ago
- Science
- First Post
Is Earth's core leaking gold and other precious metals to the surface?
A new study in Nature reveals that Earth's core may not be sealed shut after all. German geochemists have discovered traces of core-derived precious metals like ruthenium in volcanic rocks from Hawaii — suggesting gold and other elements may be slowly seeping up from deep within the planet read more A woman and her daughter touch a structural model of the earth's core at Nanjing Geological Museum in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, April 22, 2011. The Chinese characters on the model read "outer core". Representational Image/Reuters Scientists have found robust suggesting that Earth's inner core, long considered completely sealed off, is slowly releasing gold and other precious metals into the layers above. This revelation comes from a detailed isotope study of volcanic rocks, specifically basalt samples from Hawaii, which shows that some of the world's most valuable elements may have originated not just from meteorites or the planet's mantle, but from the very centre of Earth itself. Geochemists from the University of Göttingen in Germany, including Nils Messling and Matthias Willbold, have published their findings in the scientific journal Nature, revealing how specific isotopes act as tracers for material that originated in Earth's metallic core. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Earth's core is seen as a hidden reservoir For decades, scientists have known that the overwhelming majority of Earth's gold — along with elements like platinum, palladium, rhodium and ruthenium — is not found in the crust or even the upper mantle, but locked away in the core, buried beneath nearly 3,000 kilometres of dense rock. This concentration of heavy elements occurred during Earth's early years, over 4.5 billion years ago, when the planet's internal structure began to differentiate. Heavier elements sank toward the centre during a process known as the iron catastrophe, leaving the outer layers comparatively depleted. Also Watch: According to estimates, the quantity of gold sequestered in the core is so vast that, if extracted and spread evenly over the land surface, it could cover every continent with a 50-centimetre-thick layer of gold. Yet, until recently, this immense subterranean reserve was believed to be geologically unreachable and completely cut off from the crust. That assumption has now been upended. How scientists tracked core-derived isotopes in volcanic rock The Göttingen researchers focused on analysing isotopic compositions in rocks formed from deep-Earth magmatic activity. They targeted ruthenium, a rare and heavy element that exhibits subtle isotopic differences depending on its source. These differences had previously been too minute to distinguish. But by refining their laboratory techniques, the team was able to detect and compare ruthenium isotopes with unprecedented precision. Using samples from basaltic lava flows in the Hawaiian islands — an area known for volcanic activity stemming from deep mantle plumes — the researchers discovered an elevated concentration of the isotope ruthenium-100. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This variant is consistent with material originating from Earth's core, as opposed to the surface or upper mantle. 'Our data confirmed that material from the core, including gold and other precious metals, is leaking into the Earth's mantle above,' said Nils Messling, one of the lead authors of the study. 'When the first results came in, we realised that we had literally struck gold!' The core-derived signature in the volcanic rock was not limited to ruthenium. It suggests that other siderophile elements — those with an affinity for iron and which bonded with it in the early, molten Earth — may also be part of the upward movement from core to mantle, and eventually, to the crust. How core material reaches the surface The study provides compelling evidence that deep mantle upwellings — also called mantle plumes — transport material from near the core-mantle boundary to the surface. These massive columns of superheated rock rise through the mantle and erupt through oceanic crust to form volcanic islands such as those in Hawaii. 'We can now also prove that huge volumes of superheated mantle material—several hundred quadrillion metric tons of rock—originate at the core-mantle boundary and rise to the Earth's surface to form ocean islands like Hawaii,' said study co-author Matthias Willbold. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Watch: The volume and force of this process are immense, although it happens over geological timescales spanning millions of years. The volcanic rocks that emerge during these eruptions carry chemical and isotopic clues from the depths, making them natural record-keepers of Earth's internal dynamics. What this means for future research The discovery opens new avenues for understanding how Earth's internal systems have evolved over billions of years. Prior to this discovery, the prevailing understanding among Earth scientists was that the planet's core, encased beneath the solid silicate mantle and crust, was an isolated and chemically inert reservoir. The new research not only confirms that elements like ruthenium and possibly gold are slowly migrating upward, but it also introduces the use of isotopic 'tracers' to monitor and quantify this migration in future studies. Ruthenium, in particular, may serve as a powerful tool for understanding the interactions between Earth's layers. 'Precious metals such as ruthenium are highly concentrated in the metallic core but extremely depleted in the silicate mantle,' the researchers wrote in their study. While many of Earth's surface metals were believed to have arrived via meteorite bombardment during the early years of the solar system, this study shows that at least some of those metals may have originated from within the planet itself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Our findings open up an entirely new perspective on the evolution of the inner dynamics of our home planet,' the researchers concluded. While practical access to these deeply buried resources remains impossible with current technology, the scientific insight gained from these findings may influence everything from geochemistry to planetary science. This revelation also has implications beyond Earth. If core leakage of precious metals is possible here, similar processes may occur on other rocky planets. Though no gold rush will result from this research, its value lies in the new understanding it offers about Earth's inner mechanics. Also Watch: With input from agencies
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
The Earth is leaking 'Gold' from its core, where 99.999% of the planet's treasure is buried
Earth 's core, a seething ball of metal 3,000 kilometers below our feet, is quietly bleeding gold into the surface world. Scientists have found compelling evidence that Earth's core is not as isolated as previously believed. A recent study reveals that precious metals, including gold, are leaking from the planet's core into the mantle and eventually reaching the surface through volcanic activity. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Göttingen, focused on volcanic rocks from Hawaii. Using newly developed ultra-sensitive isotopic analysis techniques, the team detected unusually high levels of the ruthenium isotope in these rocks. This particular isotope is more abundant in Earth's core than in its mantle, indicating that the material in the Hawaiian lava originated from deep within the planet. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You See A Coin In Your Car Door Handle, Walk Away Articles Stone Undo "When the first results came in, we realized that we had literally struck gold," said Dr. Nils Messling, a geochemist at Göttingen University. "Our data confirmed that material from the core, including gold and other precious metals, is leaking into Earth's mantle above." The Earth's core, formed over 4.5 billion years ago, contains more than 99.999% of the planet's gold and other precious metals. These elements were thought to be locked away, inaccessible beneath 3,000 kilometers of solid rock. However, the discovery of ^100Ru in surface rocks suggests that superheated mantle plumes can transport these deep-Earth materials to the surface. Live Events Professor Matthias Willbold, co-author of the study, emphasized the significance of the findings: "Our findings not only show that Earth's core is not as isolated as previously assumed. We can now also prove that huge volumes of super-heated mantle material, several hundred of quadrillion metric tons of rock, originate at the core-mantle boundary and rise to Earth's surface to form ocean islands like Hawaii." This revelation challenges long-standing assumptions about the Earth's internal dynamics and the geochemical isolation of its core. It also opens new avenues for understanding the distribution of precious metals on the planet's surface. While the prospect of accessing the Earth's vast gold reserves remains out of reach, this discovery provides a unique glimpse into the dynamic processes occurring deep within our planet. It underscores the interconnectedness of Earth's internal layers and the ongoing evolution of its geological activity. The full study, titled "Ru and W isotope systematics in ocean island basalts reveal core leakage," was published in the journal Nature on May 21, 2025.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Volcanic Rocks Reveal How Gold Reaches Earth's Surface
Crystallized gold in rocky matrix. getty Gold is a surprisingly common metal (it is more common than lead if we consider the bulk composition of Earth), but more than 99.999 percent of Earth's stores of gold and other precious metals lie buried under 3,000 kilometers of solid rock, locked away within Earth's mantle and metallic core and far beyond the reaches of humankind. A new study published by researchers from the University of Göttingen suggests that at least some of the supplies of gold and other precious metals that we rely on for their value and applications in modern technology may have come from Earth's core. Compared to Earth's rocky mantle, the metallic core contains a slightly higher abundance of a particular isotope known as rubidium-100. When Earth formed around 4.5 billion years ago the rubidium was locked in the core together with gold and other precious metals. Standard rock analysis methods aren't sensitive enough to identify and quantify rubidium isotopes. The researchers were able to amplify the signal by first dissolving rocks in hot acid, condense the resulting steam back to a liquid, and finally measuring the rubidium signal in the concentrated samples. Analyzing lava from Hawaiʻi, the researchers found an unusually high rubidium-100 signal in the samples. Hawaiʻi's active volcanism is feed by large plumes of molten rock rising up in Earth's mantle. The origin, dynamics and composition of such mantle plumes is still debated among geologists. The rubidium signal suggests that these rocks ultimately originated from the core-mantle boundary. "Our findings not only show that 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 tons of rock—originate at the core-mantle boundary and rise to Earth's surface to form ocean islands like Hawaiʻi," explains study coauthor Professor Matthias Willbold, researcher at Göttingen University's Department of Geochemistry and Isotope Geology. '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 Earth's mantle above, ' explains study author Dr. Nils Messling, a geochemist working at the same department, the Pure gold is inert in Earth's mantle and tends to stay there. However, gold atoms can bound with three sulfur atoms forming a gold-trisulfur complex. This complex is highly mobile in the molten sections of the mantle called magma. Where material from Earth's core-mantle zone has the opportunity to rise to the surface, like along subduction zones or in a mantle plume, it can mix with sulfur-rich fluids and form gold-bearing magmas. As the magma rises to the surface, degassing and circulation of hydrothermal fluids further concentrate the gold in veins and clusters, forming a deposit that can be mined. The study,"Ru and W isotope systematics in ocean island basalts reveals core leakage," was published in the journal Nature. Additional material and interviews provided by the University of Göttingen.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Ancient wooden spears may have been wielded by Neanderthals: study
A set of ancient wooden spears may be younger than scientists thought and wielded by Neanderthals instead of their ancestors. The complete spears made of spruce and pine are among the oldest known hunting weapons. They were discovered in a coal mine over two decades ago in the German town of Schöningen along with the remains of nearly 50 horses. Previous estimates dated the spears to 300,000 years ago so scientists thought the weapons belonged to a group of early humans called Homo heidelbergensis — thought to be the last common ancestor between humans and Neanderthals. But the new analysis using a different dating technique suggests the spears are younger, placing them about 200,000 years old. The new age means the hunting weapons may have been used by Neanderthals instead, according to research published on May 9 in the journal Science Advances. Recent work has suggested that some Neanderthals mixed and mated with early humans. The balanced, well-crafted spears could help scientists understand what Neanderthals were capable of and how they worked together to hunt. The spears are 'pretty sophisticated for something that old," said study co-author Jarod Hutson with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. But it's not yet clear why the new dating disagrees with previous estimates. Archaeologist Thomas Terberger with the University of Göttingen said more research is needed to be sure of the spears' age and who used them to hunt. 'For the moment, I find the arguments interesting, but not absolutely convincing,' said Terberger, who had no role in the new study.
India.com
04-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
Who built world's first atomic bomb; used to read Bhagavad Gita; his family had to flee Germany due to Hitler's fear, name is...
World's first atomic bomb: J. Robert Oppenheimer was born in New York in 1904. He was the son of first-generation Jewish immigrants who came to America from Germany. By the age of 9, he had read literature and philosophy in Greek and Latin. He would send letters related to his research to the prestigious Mineralogy Club. Born in New York City, Oppenheimer graduated in Chemistry from Harvard University in 1925 and then earned a doctorate in Physics from the University of Göttingen in Germany. Oppenheimer's reputation in quantum physics and quantum mechanics resounded throughout the world. Katherine chose Oppenheimer as her partner and also assisted him in the research related to the first atomic weapon of the Manhattan Project. At one point, feeling unsuccessful in achieving something significant, Oppenheimer even contemplated taking his own life. During the Second World War, when there was a race to create atomic bombs in Germany, Russia, and America, the search for a director for the Manhattan Project intensified. The great physicist Einstein was also in favour of Oppenheimer. When General Groves of the U.S. Army proposed Oppenheimer's name, there was an uproar. His leftist thinking was cited as an example. Oppenheimer's appointment is mentioned in the 1988 book 'The Making of the Atomic Bomb'. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, was appointed as the director of the Los Alamos Lab under the Manhattan Project by the then American President during World War II and given the responsibility for the development of the atomic bomb. After three years of hard work, July 16, 1945, was the day when the first atomic bomb was tested. It was named Trinity. July 16, 1945, was doomsday for Robert Oppenheimer in the deserts of New Mexico. America's atomic test was codenamed Trinity. Oppenheimer was in a bunker with his colleagues, from where the world's first nuclear test was conducted 10 kilometers away. In August 1945, atomic bombs named Little Boy and Fat Man were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Approximately 250,000 people were killed in total. Japan surrendered, and World War II came to an end. This devastation shook Oppenheimer. He described atomic weapons as destructive and a product of the devil. He told then American President Harry Truman that he held himself responsible for this massacre. In the biography of Oppenheimer, historians Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin wrote that when the atom bomb with the intensity of 21 kilotons of TNT exploded, the shock of the earthquake was felt up to 160 kilometers away. Robert Oppenheimer recited a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: 'Kaal: Asmi Lokakshhayakritpraviddho Lokansamaahartumih pravrittah,' meaning 'I am now death, the destroyer of worlds.' Oppenheimer strongly opposed the creation of the hydrogen bomb after the atomic bomb. An investigation was set up against him, and his security clearance was revoked. However, the American government acknowledged its mistake in 1963 and honoured him with the Enrico Fermi Award.
