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Sad Balloon Noises
Helium, the second-most common element in the known universe, is remarkably scarce on Earth. It holds the distinction of being the sole nonrenewable element on our planet, leading to increasing difficulties in its acquisition.
Helium is primarily extracted from natural gas deposits within the Earth’s crust. As these deposits rise through the layers of the Earth, the helium eventually diffuses into the atmosphere.
The exact amount of helium remaining on Earth remains largely unknown. However, scientists theorize that the Earth’s core, which has yet to be fully explored, may be the source of potential yet undiscovered reserves, slowly releasing helium over billions of years.
A recent study conducted by scientists from the California Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution focuses on samples from lava fields in the Baffin Islands (Canada) and Iceland. Surprisingly, these samples exhibit strikingly similar concentrations of helium isotopes, suggesting a common deep underground source responsible for the slow leakage of helium over time. This discovery not only offers a glimpse into the early history of our planet but also presents a unique opportunity to study the Earth’s inaccessible core.
Gas Backward
In an article published in the journal Nature, the scientists propose that this source of helium may originate from the Earth’s core. Their conclusion is supported by the presence of other noble gases, such as neon, which aligns with the conditions during the Earth’s formative stages billions of years ago.
If the scientists’ hypothesis is correct, it could provide invaluable insights into the processes and conditions that shaped our planet’s formation. The study of the Earth’s core, hidden beneath thousands of miles of rock and liquid metal, remains a significant challenge.
While there is still much to learn about the composition of our planet, this recent discovery could contribute to a greater understanding of how the Earth came to be.
More on the Earth’s core: Scientists Discover Gigantic Solid Metal Ball Inside the Earth’s Core
