Serpentinized Mantle Peridotite Unveils Ancient Melting History
New Research Sheds Light on Mantle Composition
Scientists Discover Extensive History of Melting in Earth's Mantle
The composition and evolution of the Earth's mantle have long been mysteries, primarily inferred through surface sampling and indirect methods. However, a groundbreaking study published in Science has now revealed a more extensive history of melting in Earth's mantle, thanks to a unique sample obtained by drilling.
The research team, led by petrologist and geochemist Johan Lissenberg, recovered a 1268-meter-long section of serpentinized oceanic mantle peridotite. This sample provides an unprecedented window into the chemical composition and evolution of the mantle, offering insights into the processes that shape our planet.
The study, titled "A Long Section of Serpentinized Depleted Mantle Peridotite," reveals that the mantle section underwent extensive melting, leaving behind a depleted composition. This finding suggests that the mantle is more complex and heterogeneous than previously thought, with significant variations in composition and history.
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