Relics of Earth's Primordial Collision Found in Deep Interior

Deep within Earth's mantle, scientists have discovered relics of a cataclysmic collision that occurred billions of years ago, when the early Earth slammed into a Mars-sized object called Theia. This collision is thought to have spawned the moon, and the new findings provide the first direct evidence that it happened.

What is the moon-forming collision?

The moon-forming collision is a hypothetical event that occurred billions of years ago, when the early Earth collided with a Mars-sized object called Theia. This collision is thought to have spawned the moon, and it also left its mark on Earth's deep interior.

Earth deep interior (Image credit: The hindu)

Evidence of the moon-forming collision in Earth's deep interior

In recent years, scientists have discovered a number of pieces of evidence that support the moon-forming collision hypothesis. One of the most important pieces of evidence is the discovery of two continent-sized blobs of dense material in Earth's mantle. These blobs are thought to be the remains of Theia, which sank into Earth's mantle after the impact.

The blobs are located beneath Africa and the South Pacific Ocean. They are denser than the surrounding mantle material, which suggests that they have a different composition. Scientists have also found that the blobs have a different isotopic signature than the rest of the mantle, which further supports the idea that they are from a different source.

Another piece of evidence for the moon-forming collision hypothesis is the existence of two distinct layers in Earth's mantle. The outer mantle is made of rock that is relatively rich in iron and magnesium. The inner mantle is made of rock that is relatively rich in silicon and aluminum.

The two layers of the mantle are thought to have formed as a result of the moon-forming collision. When Theia collided with the early Earth, it caused the mantle to melt. The molten mantle then began to cool and solidify, with the heavier elements sinking to the core and the lighter elements rising to the surface. This process is thought to have created the two distinct layers of the mantle.

Implications of the discovery of relics of the moon-forming collision

The discovery of relics of the moon-forming collision in Earth's deep interior has a number of implications for our understanding of the planet's early history. First, it confirms that the moon-forming collision actually happened. Second, it provides new insights into the composition of the early Earth and Theia. Third, it helps to explain some of the mysteries of Earth's deep interior, such as the existence of two distinct layers in the mantle.

The discovery of these relics is also a reminder that Earth is a dynamic planet that has undergone a number of cataclysmic events over its long history. The moon-forming collision was just one of these events.