Revolutionary discovery at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean has brought scientists closer to understanding how life on Earth originated. Researchers have drilled 1.2 kilometers into the Earth’s core from an underwater mountain called the Atlantis Massif, uncovering key clues about the processes that may have triggered life.
A team of scientists led by magma expert Johan Lisenberg from Cardiff University explored the extreme conditions in which fragmented rocks from the Earth’s crust mix with seawater, as they published a study on August 18. It is believed that this environment is similar to the conditions that could have sparked the emergence of unique microbes and early life forms billions of years ago, which marked the beginning of life on planet Earth. The Atlantis Massif is one of the few locations on Earth where scientists can access material directly from the upper crust, providing a unique opportunity to study the deep processes that shape the Earth.
„The ocean crust is still forming. Every day, essentially,“ explained Lisenberg to CNN, as reported by Politika, discussing the continuous creation of new Earth’s crust as tectonic plates spread. Rock from a part of the Earth’s crust extracted from the Atlantis Massif provides a snapshot of these processes, which are otherwise inaccessible below the ocean floor.
One of the key discoveries of the study is the presence of serpentine minerals. Serpentine forms when olivine, the primary mineral in the rock, reacts with seawater, releasing hydrogen. The team’s analysis revealed unexpected stability in the mineral composition of the core. This challenges previous assumptions about the homogeneity of the Earth’s crust. This variability is crucial for reconstructing the „chemical kitchen“, as Lisenberg describes it, that enabled reactions to sustain life. Scientists continue to study the core, hoping to uncover more details about the upper crust and gain a deeper understanding of the processes that may have led to the origin of life on Earth.
This groundbreaking discovery opens up new possibilities for unraveling the mysteries of our planet’s history and the origins of life. By studying the processes that occur deep within the Earth’s core, scientists can gain insights into the conditions that may have fostered the emergence of life billions of years ago. The unique environment of the Atlantis Massif provides a window into the past, allowing researchers to piece together the puzzle of how life on Earth began.
As our understanding of the Earth’s geology continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of the origins of life. By delving into the depths of the ocean, scientists are uncovering clues that may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of our planet’s past. The discovery at the Atlantis Massif marks a significant milestone in our quest to unravel the mysteries of life on Earth and sheds new light on the complex processes that have shaped our planet over millennia.
