The researchers spotted the strange occurrence in the data originating from the original GRACE Satellites, which functioned between 2002 and 2017.(Image credit: NASA/JPL)
According to a new study, satellites observed a peculiar gravitational signal just off the African coast almost two decades ago, implying that an unusual event had happened deep inside the planet, deforming its gravity field.
The significant gravity irregularity persisted for approximately two years across the eastern expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Its most intense point occurred in January 2007, the same month Steve Jobs unveiled the original iPhone (although, naturally, these occurrences were unrelated).
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The researchers believe that the strange irregularity, along with the jerk, arose from a previously unidentified geological occurrence. Their results, released on Aug. 28 within the journal Geophysical Research Letters, point to the possibility that mineral movement prompted a swift mass redistribution within the deep mantle, in proximity to the core, thereby modifying Earth’s magnetic characteristics.
Study collaborator Mioara Mandea — a geophysicist affiliated with the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) in France and a leading investigator for the European Research Council’s Gravimetry, Magnetism, Rotation and Core Flow undertaking — conveyed to Live Science that she initially expressed reservations about the signal’s authenticity.
“As frequently occurs in scientific explorations, my preliminary reaction involved questioning: is the signal real, how can we establish its validity, and what interpretation should it receive?” Mandea communicated via email. “Although the finding and its subsequent publication undoubtedly brought satisfaction, my predominant inclination leaned toward contemplating the ensuing steps and conceivable ramifications.”
The GRACE satellites were a duo of matching spacecraft functioning as part of a collaborative endeavor involving NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). These satellites, operative from 2002 until their fuel depletion in 2017, were employed by scientists to gauge variations in Earth’s gravity. As explained by NASA, the satellites journeyed in unison (one trailing the other) encircling Earth, and researchers assessed the separation between the two objects to discern any alterations stemming from fluctuations in Earth’s gravitational influence.
Such gravitational shifts frequently arise due to mass concentration variations — greater mass correlates with stronger gravity. For instance, water currents circulate mass throughout the ocean, potentially causing localized deviations within Earth’s gravitational dimension. In the recent study, the researchers scrutinized GRACE data for unconventional gravity indications potentially originating deep within Earth, instead of stemming from water displacement on or near the exterior.
The signal presented as a gravity anomaly oriented north to south, encompassing roughly 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) — approximating the length of the complete African continent — spanning from 2006 to 2008, as indicated in the study.
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Researchers continue to expand their comprehension of Earth’s deep mantle, as well as the divide that separates this rocky strata from our planet’s fluid outer core, yet the mantle’s base is primarily composed of magnesium silicate (MgSiO3). The study’s authors posited that the mass reconfigurations attributed to the signal occurred as a result of a perovskite to post-perovskite phase transition within this lower mantle area, where the configuration of magnesium silicate underwent modification under stress, thereby displacing mass far beneath the Earth’s surface.
Mandea emphasized that the study’s principal takeaway was the inherent complexity of Earth, underscoring the need for diverse datasets and methodologies in order to decipher its internal mechanisms.
“Earth constitutes a multifaceted system demanding examination via various datasets alongside complementary analytical techniques,” Mandea stated. “This collaborative approach empowers us to uncover and gain enhanced insights into the concealed processes occurring within Earth’s deep interior.”
Patrick PesterSocial Links NavigationTrending News Writer
Patrick Pester serves as the trending news contributor at Live Science. His writing has been showcased on alternative science platforms, notably BBC Science Focus and Scientific American. Patrick transitioned into journalism following an initial career phase in zoos and conservation efforts. He secured the Master’s Excellence Scholarship for studies at Cardiff University, culminating in a master’s degree in international journalism. Additionally, he possesses a secondary master’s degree focusing on biodiversity, evolution, and conservation in practice from Middlesex University London. Beyond his news contributions, Patrick explores the realm of human remains sales.
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