If subduction carries hydrous minerals deep into Earth’s mantle, they may “rust” the iron outer core, forming vast sinks of oxygen that can later be returned to the atmosphere.
iron
Posted inEditors' Vox
Using Hematite to Decipher Past Climates and Environments
The magnetic and color properties of the mineral hematite give clues to past environmental conditions and is being used for paleoclimatic reconstruction.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Zero-valent Iron in the Oxidizing Atmosphere?
A comparative study of urban, semi-urban, and rural sites reveals that the species of atmospheric iron varies depending on location.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Thermal Convection Can Power the Geodynamo
New high-pressure experiments on fluid iron suggest thermal convection without compositional buoyancy is sufficient to drive the dynamo generating Earth’s magnetic field.
Posted inNews
Iron Readings Hint That Ocean Depth Influences Seabed Volcanism
Water pressure on mid-ocean ridges may affect magma production kilometers beneath the ocean floor.
Posted inNews
Cave-Dwelling "Slime Curtains" Cycle Nitrogen and Iron
In a cave accessible only by daredevil divers, extraordinary microbial colonies metabolize nitrogen and iron nutrients and possibly remove pollutants from water.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
The Enigmatic Core Properties of the Inner Earth
A new study explores the possibility of cubic iron alloy structure at our planet's core.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Microbial Communities Form Iron Shells in Abandoned Mines
Fungi and bacteria deposit metal ions on steel objects left behind by miners. These metals form strange clam-like shells on the steel surfaces.