A new type of electromagnetic wave discovered in the Earth’s core
Scientists have detected a whole new type of electromagnetic wave that surges EarthThe outer core of the Earth’s outer core occurs every seven years, in the process distorting the strength of our planet’s magnetic field.
Waves — Called “Magnito-Coriolis” waves because they move along the axis of rotation of the Earth. Coriolis effect — Creeping from east to west on tall pillars that can travel up to 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) a year, researchers wrote in a March 21 paper in the journal. Minutes of the National Academy of Sciences.. Using the European Space Agency’s (ESA) satellites, the team used the outermost layer of the Earth’s outer core, where it meets the rock mantle, about 1,800 miles (2,900 km) below the surface of the planet. I have identified a mysterious wave in.
According to researchers, the presence of these waves may help explain the mysterious changes in the planet. magnetic fieldProduced by the movement of the liquid iron In the outer core of the planet. Satellite measurements of the magnetic field over the last 20 years show that the strength of the magnetic field decreases approximately every 7 years, consistent with the vibrations of these newly discovered waves.
“Geophysicists have long made theories about the existence of such waves, but they were thought to occur on a much longer time scale,” said a researcher at the University of Grenoble Alps in France. Principal Research Author Nicholas Gillett said. Said in a statement.. “Our research suggests that other such waves are likely to exist, perhaps in a longer period of time, but their findings depend on more research.”
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The heart of the problem
The outer core of the Earth is a molten iron ball that is constantly agitated and crushed by constant movement. This rotating conductive fluid flow is believed to be the source of the Earth’s magnetic shield. This magnetic shield wraps around the planet, spreads into space for hundreds of thousands of miles, and protects the Earth from harmful radiation.
Planetary magnetic fields are constantly changing on both short-term and long-term time scales.In the long run, the magnetic field Gradually weaken For hundreds of years. Recent measurements made by ground and satellite-based instruments also show regular fluctuations in the strength and shape of the magnetic field that occur every few years.
Scientists have long believed that these short-term fluctuations in field strength are affected by the activity of the planet’s outer core. This new study may provide long-sought evidence.
The authors of the study examined magnetic field data for more than 20 years collected by ESA’s Swarm satellite mission between 1999 and 2021. Swarms are a fleet of three identical satellites deployed to measure magnetic signals from the Earth’s core, crust, ocean, and atmosphere. The team combined this satellite data with previous magnetic field measurements made by sensors on the ground, and then used a computer model to simulate geodynamos, the convection of fluid in the Earth’s outer core.
Through these combined measurements, the team for the first time identified the presence of Erik Lensherr-Coriolis waves in the core of the planet.
The source of these waves remains a mystery for now, but it probably stems from a turbulence deep inside the Earth. [outer] Core “.
Gillette added that it is likely that these waves are not the only waves that oscillate at the core-mantle boundary. Magnetocolioli waves account for some of the 7-year magnetic field fluctuations observed by swarms and other sensors, while other undiscovered waves with even longer periodicity have longer magnetic field scales. Gillet said he could explain the fluctuations. To discover such waves, researchers will just need to look at the core.
Originally published on Live Science.
A new type of electromagnetic wave discovered in the Earth’s core
Source link A new type of electromagnetic wave discovered in the Earth’s core
