Geophysics: Better insights into Earth's interior
Date:
May 2, 2022
Source:
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universita"t Mu"nchen
Summary:
Geophysicists have developed a method that allows them to
investigate the composition of the Earth with better results.
FULL STORY ==========================================================================
LMU geophysicist Max Moorkamp has developed a method that allows us to investigate the composition of the Earth with better results.
========================================================================== Knowledge about the structure and composition of the Earth's crust is
important for understanding the dynamics of the Earth. For example,
the presence or absence of melt or fluids plays a major role in plate
tectonic processes. Most our knowledge in this area comes from geophysical surveys. However, the relationship between measurable geophysical
parameters and the actual conditions in the Earth's interior is often ambiguous. To improve this state of affairs, LMU geophysicist Max Moorkamp
has developed a new method, whereby data on the distribution of electrical conductivity and density in the Earth's crust is combined and processed
using a method derived from medical imaging. "The advantage is that
the relationships between the two parameters are part of the analysis,"
says Moorkamp. "For geophysical applications, this is completely new."
Using the new method, Moorkamp was able to show that previous assumptions
about the spatial distribution of magma and fluids in the western United
States may be overly simplified. Based on measurements of electrical conductivity, researchers had previously assumed that molten rock (magma)
and fluids are widespread in geologically young and active regions,
whereas older and stable regions are virtually fluid free. "However,
the new results show a more complicated picture," says Moorkamp. The
electrical conductivity of molten rock and fluids is very similar to
that of solid graphite and sulfides -- in contrast to melts and fluids, however, these are a sign of old geologic activity.
By virtue of his method, Moorkamp was able to distinguish between the two
for the first time and so demonstrate that even in the very active region around Yellowstone, there are fluid-dominated structures directly adjacent
to fluid- free areas with graphite and sulfides. From these findings,
the geophysicist concludes that compared to current geologic activity,
geologic history -- i.e.
earlier plate tectonic processes -- have much greater influence on
the location of fluids than previously assumed. This could require a
revision of previous results not only in the United States but around
the globe. In addition, the technique could be very useful in the search
for geothermal energy or mineral deposits.
========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universita"t_Mu"nchen. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.
========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Max Moorkamp. Deciphering the State of the Lower Crust and Upper
Mantle
With Multi‐Physics Inversion. Geophysical Research Letters,
2022; 49 (9) DOI: 10.1029/2021GL096336 ==========================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220502142132.htm
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