Earth is a separate planet, meaning it is made up of layers – crust, mantle, outer core, inner core. Among these layers, the outer core has an important contribution as it contains molten iron that helps the planet generate its protective magnetic field. This magnetic field helps Earth ward off harmful radiation and solar wind from the sun.
A new study by researchers at the University of Rochester has deepened understanding of the magnetic field caused by this core, which in turn could help Earth prevent a Mars-like fate.
Around 565 million years ago, the strength of the magnetic field had decreased drastically. Scientists put this decline at 10 percent of what’s happening now. This makes the planet more vulnerable to the solar wind. Fortunately, however, a mysterious augmentation restores power, just before the Cambrian explosion of multicellular life. This increase helped shape the planet we see today.
The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights several key dates in Earth’s core history that determined Earth’s evolution from a deserted planetary body to a habitable place in the universe. This evolution plays a major role in the Earth’s core.
“The inner core is very important. Just before the inner core begins to grow, the magnetic field is on the verge of collapse, but as soon as the inner core begins to grow, the field is rejuvenated,” explains John Tarduno, Dean of Research in Arts, Science and Engineering. .
Research is focused on minerals and crystals that rise to the earth’s surface. Tarduno and his team used a carbon dioxide laser and a device called a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) to study the magnets trapped in these ancient crystals, which Tarduno calls the “perfect magnetic recorder.”
The study found that 550 million years ago, the magnetic field nearly collapsed but the dense inner core recharged and helped replenish the strength of the magnetic field generated by the outer core. “The movement of tectonic plates at the Earth’s surface indirectly affects the inner core, and the history of this movement is imprinted deep within the Earth in the structure of the inner core,” said Tarduno.
Researchers believe that Mars has a magnetic field strong enough for life, but due to the loss of strength, today Mars has become a dry and uninhabitable planet. This study will further pave the way for designing mechanisms to preserve the Earth’s magnetic field.
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