A groundbreaking research conducted by experts at Yale University and the Southwest Research Institute (SRI) has provided insights into the field of geology particularly focusing on gold, which is globally recognized as one of the most valuable and esteemed metals.
The Enigmatic Nature of Gold
Gold symbolized by Au and possessing a number of 79 is well known for its value and versatility. This precious metal has been utilized for monetary and industrial purposes for thousands of years captivating scientists with its distinctive formation process and distribution within our planet.
Tracing the Cosmic Journey of Gold
Our understanding of golds origin commences with cosmic collisions, followed by a journey through a partially molten region in Earths mantle. Ultimately heavier metals settle closer to the Earths surface than previously believed. Professor Jun Korenaga from Yales School of Arts and Sciences along with SRI researcher Simone Marchi have made contributions to advancing this understanding. Their work is detailed in their study published in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.'
Unanswered Queries Regarding Golds Journey to Earths Mantle
The theory proposed by Korenaga and Marchi provides plausible explanations for persisting questions about how gold, platinum and other precious metals ended up in shallow regions of Earths mantle rather, than deep within its core.
The implications of formation go beyond just studying geochemistry. It provides insights into how planets form throughout the universe. According to a report by PHYS.ORG Korenaga stated that their research is a discovery that challenges conventional wisdom.
The absorption of metals like gold and platinum on Earth billions of years ago is a well known fact resulting from collisions between proto Earth and celestial bodies. These collisions left behind deposits that eventually formed our planet. However the process of how these metals were absorbed remains a mystery.
The puzzle surrounding "elements such as gold and platinum is intriguing. Apart from their scarcity, aesthetic appeal and high tech applications these elements have an affinity for iron. Logically they should have accumulated primarily in Earths core upon impact or quickly sunk from the mantle. However they are found on or near the Earths surface. Korenaga explained that working with Simone, an expert in impact dynamics helped them find a solution to this puzzle.
Korenaga and Marchis theory centers around an transient region, within the mantle where the surface part melts while the deeper part remains solid.
This area, known for its characteristics has the ability to capture and slowly release metal components that fall into the mantle.
An Ongoing Process
According to their hypothesis this process of delivery is still ongoing. Remnants of the transitional region can be observed as "large low shear velocity provinces" that stand out as unusual geophysical features deep within the mantle. Marchi stated confidently that this temporary region typically forms when a massive object collides, with the Earth, which adds strength to their theory. The researchers believe that their theory helps explain puzzling aspects of Earths chemical and physical development highlighting the extensive time scales involved in its formation.
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