Who knew sunlight could influence Earth’s *core*? A groundbreaking study by Chinese and Romanian researchers reveals solar radiation might shape processes deep beneath our feet – from climate patterns to the availability of critical minerals like copper and lithium.
The research, published in Nature Communications, shows how the sun’s uneven heat distribution creates marine life 'hotspots' in tropical oceans. When these carbon-rich organisms get pulled into Earth’s mantle via tectonic plate collisions, they alter the chemistry of magma in surprising ways.
‘It’s like Earth has a global recycling system,’ said co-author Wan Bo. ‘Sunlight affects surface ecosystems, which then impacts what’s happening 100km below us.’ The team analyzed thousands of magma samples worldwide, discovering that volcanic zones near the equator produce less oxidized magma – a pattern matching carbon deposits on the ocean floor.
Why care? This discovery reshapes how we locate metal ores and understand Earth’s interconnected systems. As corresponding author Hu Fangyang notes: ‘It’s not just about rocks – it’s about how sunlight from millennia ago influences today’s resources.’
Next time you feel the sun’s warmth, remember – its influence might reach deeper than your sunscreen!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com