The magnetic record stored in rocks documents the liquid core’s behavior and possibly when the inner core formed. Whether it formed half a billion or more than a billion years ago, however, is up for debate.
Alka Tripathy-Lang
Alka Tripathy-Lang is a freelance science writer covering stories about Earth and environmental science. Alka holds a Ph.D. in geology from Arizona State University and conducted postdoctoral research at the Berkeley Geochronology Center.
Posted inFeatures
Sian Proctor: Community College Professor Goes to Space
An Arizona educator finds she has the SpaceX factor to become an astronaut.
Posted inENGAGE, News
Roosters, S’mores, and #EmergencyCute: A Humor-in-Crisis How-To
When natural hazards strike communities, we may not think science agencies should respond with humor. Researchers suggest that sometimes, however, humor can connect communities and bring smiles.
Posted inENGAGE, News
How Can Silicone Wristbands Help Firefighters?
Scientists are making strides in monitoring firefighters for pollutant exposure using silicone wristbands, which will become even more important as wildfires encroach on the built environment.
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Holey Eclogite!
Scientists have found holes filled with minerals that indicate fluid-filled pores exist many tens of kilometers below Earth’s surface. But no, The Core fans, you still can’t get amethyst-laden geodes in the mantle.
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Million or Billion? Narrowing Down the Age of Mantle Processes in New Guinea
Mantle rocks in Papua New Guinea contain curious geochemical signatures that scientists have traditionally interpreted as evidence of billions-year-old melting. New evidence suggests otherwise.
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How a Newly Discovered Mineral Might Explain Weird Mantle Behavior
Scientists not only synthesized davemaoite but deformed it at lower mantle conditions. They found its strength and viscosity to be substantially lower than those of other minerals that make up the lower mantle.
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Geochemical Data from Polynesian Artifacts Pack Pofatu Database
A new resource may help match artifacts with their original stone sources—“a really a niche part of archaeology that requires geological expertise.”
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Navigating the Pacific with Wind, Waves, and Stars
Ancient Polynesian voyagers sailed thousands of kilometers with no maps or compasses; they followed nature’s clues. Using the same tools, the Moananuiākea Voyage will set sail from Alaska and circle the Pacific.
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Updating Dating Helps Tackle Deep-Time Quandaries
Geochronologists are finding fresh approaches to familiar methodologies, especially by zapping rocks with lasers to tackle classic Precambrian problems.