AI maps six hidden structures at Earth's mantle-core boundary
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Researchers used deep learning to analyze over 2 million seismic wave records from about 5,000 earthquakes between 1990 and 2024. The AI identified approximately 175,000 high-quality signals, revealing six previously unknown structures at the mantle-core boundary. The findings were published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth.
Key Facts
- The study analyzed over 2 million seismic wave records from about 5,000 earthquakes between 1990 and 2024.
- The AI model captured approximately 175,000 high-quality PKP precursor signals, ten times more than all previous studies combined.
- The six structures are located beneath high-latitude Eurasia, Central Asia, and the South Atlantic.
- The structures may be remnants of ancient oceanic crust or chemical leftovers from the impact that formed the Moon.
Seismic Data Analysis
Researchers applied a deep learning algorithm to over 2 million seismic wave records from approximately 5,000 earthquakes occurring between 1990 and 2024. The AI focused on weak PKP precursor waves that scatter off small structural differences at the mantle-core boundary and arrive just before the main shock. With expert supervision, the model identified about 175,000 high-quality signals, a tenfold increase over the total from all prior studies.
Global Structure Map
The resulting global map shows that deep structures previously thought to be random and isolated actually form extensive, continuous belts. These structures are located beneath high-latitude Eurasia, Central Asia, and the South Atlantic. Scientists suggest the masses may be fragments of oceanic crust dragged deep by plate tectonics or chemical remnants from the celestial body that struck Earth billions of years ago to form the Moon.
Geological Implications
Under extreme pressure and temperature, these structures partially melt and acquire physical properties distinct from the surrounding mantle. They are expected to help explain geological processes ranging from volcanic eruption intensity to changes in Earth's magnetic field.
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AI maps six hidden structures at Earth's mantle-core boundary
