MSGID: 1:317/3 6270b043   
   PID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08   
   TID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08   
    Geophysics: Better insights into Earth's interior    
      
     Date:   
         May 2, 2022   
     Source:   
         Ludwig-Maximilians-Universita"t Mu"nchen   
     Summary:   
         Geophysicists have developed a method that allows them to   
         investigate the composition of the Earth with better results.   
      
      
      
   FULL STORY   
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   LMU geophysicist Max Moorkamp has developed a method that allows us to   
   investigate the composition of the Earth with better results.   
      
      
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   Knowledge about the structure and composition of the Earth's crust is   
   important for understanding the dynamics of the Earth. For example,   
   the presence or absence of melt or fluids plays a major role in plate   
   tectonic processes. Most our knowledge in this area comes from geophysical   
   surveys. However, the relationship between measurable geophysical   
   parameters and the actual conditions in the Earth's interior is often   
   ambiguous. To improve this state of affairs, LMU geophysicist Max Moorkamp   
   has developed a new method, whereby data on the distribution of electrical   
   conductivity and density in the Earth's crust is combined and processed   
   using a method derived from medical imaging. "The advantage is that   
   the relationships between the two parameters are part of the analysis,"   
   says Moorkamp. "For geophysical applications, this is completely new."   
   Using the new method, Moorkamp was able to show that previous assumptions   
   about the spatial distribution of magma and fluids in the western United   
   States may be overly simplified. Based on measurements of electrical   
   conductivity, researchers had previously assumed that molten rock (magma)   
   and fluids are widespread in geologically young and active regions,   
   whereas older and stable regions are virtually fluid free. "However,   
   the new results show a more complicated picture," says Moorkamp. The   
   electrical conductivity of molten rock and fluids is very similar to   
   that of solid graphite and sulfides -- in contrast to melts and fluids,   
   however, these are a sign of old geologic activity.   
      
   By virtue of his method, Moorkamp was able to distinguish between the two   
   for the first time and so demonstrate that even in the very active region   
   around Yellowstone, there are fluid-dominated structures directly adjacent   
   to fluid- free areas with graphite and sulfides. From these findings,   
   the geophysicist concludes that compared to current geologic activity,   
   geologic history -- i.e.   
      
   earlier plate tectonic processes -- have much greater influence on   
   the location of fluids than previously assumed. This could require a   
   revision of previous results not only in the United States but around   
   the globe. In addition, the technique could be very useful in the search   
   for geothermal energy or mineral deposits.   
      
      
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   Story Source: Materials provided by   
   Ludwig-Maximilians-Universita"t_Mu"nchen. Note: Content may be edited   
   for style and length.   
      
      
   ==========================================================================   
   Journal Reference:   
      1. Max Moorkamp. Deciphering the State of the Lower Crust and Upper   
      Mantle   
         With Multi‐Physics Inversion. Geophysical Research Letters,   
         2022; 49 (9) DOI: 10.1029/2021GL096336   
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   Link to news story:   
   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220502142132.htm   
      
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