Unveiling Earth's Mysterious New Layer: A Changing Core Phenomenon
New research reveals that water from Earth's surface can penetrate deep into the planet, causing a chemical interaction at the core-mantle boundary. This interaction creates a thin layer of material, known as the 'E prime' layer, which has puzzled geologists for decades. The study shows that water reacts with silicon in the core, forming silica and creating a top core layer rich in hydrogen. The presence of this layer affects the density and seismic speeds of the outer core, potentially impacting Earth's magnetic field and the global water cycle. The findings suggest a more dynamic core-mantle interaction and a complex water cycle within the planet.