Earth Science

Scientists have discovered how a promising niobium deposit formed deep beneath central Australia more than 800 million years ago. The findings link the metal's origins to the ancient supercontinent Rodinia's breakup. Niobium plays a key role in strengthening steel and advancing clean energy technologies.

19 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Modelling of Earth's ancient carbon cycle reveals that volcanic arcs only became a dominant source of greenhouse gas emissions towards the end of the dinosaur era. This shift occurred around 100 million years ago, driven by the emergence of certain ocean plankton 150 million years prior. Previously, most carbon was released through rifting processes rather than volcanic activity.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have found that deep earthquake faults can heal themselves within hours, challenging existing models of seismic activity. This discovery, based on studies of slow slip events in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, suggests that mineral grains weld together under high pressure and heat. The findings could reshape how scientists predict major earthquakes.

20 Mwezi wa kumi na moja, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Scientists have proposed a new model for two massive structures deep inside Earth, suggesting they formed from core material leaking into the mantle billions of years ago. This process may have influenced Earth's habitability by preventing strong chemical layering after its ancient magma ocean phase. The findings, published in Nature Geoscience, link these features to the planet's unique evolution compared to Venus and Mars.