Jet Stream within the Earth’s Molten Iron Core : A New Discovery

Scientists created an X-ray view of the Earth by using satellite data and discovered a jet stream within the earth’s molten core. It is an accelerating band of molten iron circling the North Pole, like the jet stream in the atmosphere. The vast jet stream some 420 kilometres wide has trebled in speed since 2000, and is now circulating westwards, which is three times faster than the speed of liquids in outer core.

Significance of the discovery:

 Magnetic field: Scientists hold that the accelerating jet is a natural phenomenon that dates back as much as a billion years, and can help us understand the formation of Earth’s magnetic fields that keeps us safe from solar winds. Scientists call this to be like tracking the flow of the river at night based on candles floating. The motion of iron itself cannot be seen, but the motion of flux lobes provides insights into the nature of magnetic field

 Earth’s interior: the study of the jet can reveal important details about the core’s composition, its behaviour which is responsible for generation of the magnetic field. Scientists say that the reason for faster speed of the jet stream could be the faster rotation of core compared to the earth. Further research can reveal more information on the core characteristics.

 The polarity flip: by understanding how the jet stream is generated, one can understand how the field changes over time, and when it will weaken and reverse.

 Magnetic field-solar wind interaction: It will help in understanding the interaction between the solar winds and magnetic fields of other planets as well (eg- how solar winds ripped off the atmosphere of Mars which depends on magnetic field for its existence on a planet).

However there is an important limitation i.e. this technology uses magnetic field to trace down the movement of molten iron. However not all the iron deposits move fast enough to create magnetic fields, strong enough to be detected by this technology. Thus the scientists predict that there might be a counter current of same type in South Pole as well but it does not produce a large enough field to be detectable. Nevertheless, this discovery is a big leap in understanding our planet and its interiors which in the long run can enhance our precision in understanding magnetic and related atmospheric phenomena.