Earth’s core has reversed it's direction

 Earth’s core has ‘reversed’ rotation and scientists say humans would feel the effects

Imagine the centre of our planet, the Earth’s core, coming to a complete stop and then starting to spin in the opposite direction. It sounds like something out of science fiction, yet new research suggests this might be happening right now. Scientists have made a new discovery about the Earth's core after analysing seismic data. Scientists from Peking University and the University of Southern California have uncovered fascinating clues that the Earth’s inner core has halted its rotation and begun a reversal, and this could be subtly affecting life on the surface. As early as 2024, scientists discovered that the Earth’s core had slowed down and even stopped moving in relation to the Earth’s crust. But until now, humans have barely noticed this remarkable change.

At the heart of our planet lies the inner core, a solid sphere made primarily of iron and nickel. It’s surrounded by a liquid outer core(made of iron and nickel and other elements, which play a role in the Earth’s magnetic field) and a solid inner core (also made of iron and nickel, at a temperature up to 5,700 degrees Celsius). and together they generate the Earth’s magnetic field, which shields us from harmful solar and cosmic radiation. The rotation of the inner core is influenced by gravitational forces from the mantle, the thick layer above it, and by interactions with the magnetic field. Scientists have long known that the core doesn’t spin exactly in sync with the Earth’s surface, it usually spins a little faster. But recent observations suggest a pause and even a reversal may be underway. The Earth’s outer core begins around 1,800 miles below the Earth’s surface and the inner core begins around 3,200 miles below. For a long time, scientists assumed that the Earth’s inner core had a stable, even, and constant rotation below the Earth’s crust. However, with the help of seismic analyses (i.e., studies of earthquakes), researchers have discovered that this rotation is by no means constant but fluctuates. These fluctuations can be so massive that the Earth’s core can move as fast as the Earth’s crust and then appear to stand still.

Researchers analysed seismic waves generated by earthquakes worldwide from 1990 through 2021. These waves travel through the Earth and change velocity depending on the core’s movement. They noticed that the travel times of certain waves had changed in a way consistent with the inner core slowing down and eventually stopping. Interestingly, this phenomenon isn’t entirely new. It appears to follow a roughly 70-year cycle. Scientists believe something similar happened in the 1970s. If so, the current reversal phase fits within a long-term oscillation pattern. Understanding this cyclic nature helps make sense of how the Earth’s deep interior is continually evolving and affecting the world we see. This doesn’t mean that the Earth’s core rotates in the opposite direction. Instead, it only appears that way because it rotates more slowly in relation to the Earth’s crust, sometimes even significantly more slowly. Nor does the Earth’s core ever remain stationary, but simply stops changing in relation to the Earth’s crust.

You might wonder: does the Earth’s core stopping its spin mean the planet will start shaking or the magnetic field will vanish overnight? Not quite, but there could be significant effects. The core’s rotation deeply influences the geomagnetic field, which protects all living beings from dangerous charged particles from the sun. A shift in the core’s motion can alter this field’s strength and structure, impacting everything from animal migration to satellite communication systems. Moreover, the interaction between the inner core and mantle could influence seismic activity and plate tectonics, which drive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While these effects may not be sudden or dramatic, they could subtly change the Earth’s geologic dynamics over decades. This current slowdown in the rotation of the Earth’s core began as early as 2009. At that time, the Earth’s core and crust moved more or less in unison, but since then, the movement of the Earth’s core has become even slower. It seems that the Earth’s core changes its rotational direction relative to the Earth’s crust every 35 years. Therefore, the fluctuations that comprise an entire cycle last 70 years.

The inner core’s rotation also plays a role in the precise timing of Earth’s spin. Scientists measure slight variations in day length, sometimes just a few milliseconds, that can be linked to changes happening deep inside our planet. Though a difference of milliseconds might seem negligible, even tiny changes can ripple through atmospheric and oceanic systems. Some researchers speculate that fluctuations in the core’s spin could affect climate patterns and atmospheric stability over long periods. These changes could influence temperature cycles, precipitation patterns and air circulation in ways we’re just beginning to understand. It’s a reminder that the inner workings of Earth are intimately connected to the environment we live in. Technically, days can become longer or shorter due to the changes in rotational speed of the Earth’s core. We humans might not notice this, but it can have an effect on astronomical measurements and satellites. Changes to the Earth’s magnetic field and the climate are also possible. Our connection to what happens deep beneath the surface is more profound than most realize. The Earth’s core powers the magnetic shield that makes life possible, and its behaviour plays a subtle but vital role in natural phenomena which affect millions.

From protecting us against solar radiation to influencing climate and seismic activity, the core’s dynamics have a direct hand in human survival. Studies like these shed light on the invisible processes shaping our world and help us anticipate future changes. Reflecting on this, remind us of how much we depend on unseen forces. It’s humbling to think that events miles beneath our feet can affect the gadgets we use daily, the weather we experience, and even the migration of animals. Isn’t it amazing that the Earth still holds mysteries which can surprise us and challenge our understanding about the universe? 

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Pollution could be detected thru one of world’s deadliest snake

 Unprecedented discovery made by Scientists after examining one of world's deadliest snake

According to new research, one of the world's deadliest snakes can help sniff out pollution. Black Mambas could prove "key players" in tracking pollution, while at the same time keeping ecosystems healthy, say scientists. 'It is a strong sign'. Thy have shown that heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, accumulate in the scales of the world's second most venomous snake. The study, conducted on Black Mambas snakes captured alive in Durban, South Africa, is the first of its kind to examine heavy metal accumulation in an African snake species. The findings, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, mean that researchers can use scale clippings from the snakes to accurately measure environmental pollution levels, without harming the serpents.

For much of the 20th century, coal miners used to use canaries as an early warning device against harmful pollutants. Now, scientists may have found a similar use for the world's deadliest snake. According to an article by the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, new research has shown that the black mamba could play a pivotal role in monitoring pollution. A study on captured snakes in Durban, South Africa, revealed that the snake's scales can provide a great deal of information about pollution in the area. If the rodents and birds which the black mamba preys upon have been exposed to toxic heavy metals, they will ultimately accumulate on the snake's scales. Professor Graham Alexander, a herpetologist at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, said: “Black Mambas are common in the Durban area, and individuals often live in the same refuge for years." One of the world’s deadliest snakes “can help sniff out pollution”. 

“If the body tissue of individuals contain high levels of heavy metals, it is a strong sign that the local environment is under threat.” He explained that snakes such as Black Mambas are apex predators, which means they feed on various other animals such as birds and rodents. The pollutants, absorbed from the food which birds and rodents eat, eventually accumulate in the body tissue of the snakes. Professor Graham Alexander explained, "If the body tissue of individuals contain high levels of heavy metals, it is a strong sign that the local environment is under threat." Rising global temperatures are forcing some venomous snakes out of their historic ranges. In Durban, carelessly discarded rubbish is attracting rodents, which in turn is luring the black mambas into populated areas. Despite its name, the black mamba is brown or grey in colour; "black" refers to the inside of its mouth, which it displays when threatened. Should you ever gaze into that blue-black void, it's a good idea to skedaddle because its venom can kill a human within 20 minutes. You'd better be quick, too, because the black mamba is also one of the fastest snakes in the world, capable of reaching a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour, according to National Geographic.

The research team analysed scale clippings from live snakes which were removed from domestic, industrial and commercial properties, and tissue samples from mambas that had died in road accidents or in conflicts with humans. The snakes found in industrial and commercial areas had far higher metal levels than those from nature reserves and green spaces. The researchers say their findings highlight the value of having connected green spaces around our cities, as they help protect wildlife from harmful pollution linked to urban development. Black mambas are often misunderstood. If left alone, they play a crucial ecological role as a highly efficient pest control agent. They tend to be homebodies and will live out their lives in the same refuge sites, which makes them an excellent barometer of an ecosystem's health and a guide for appropriate local action. The study's authors called for raising awareness to change the public perception of black mambas from one of fear to one of appreciation.

Study leader Professor Marc Humphries, an environmental chemist at the University of the Witwatersrand, said: “We found a clear association between land use and heavy metal exposure in black mambas. The exciting thing is that we can get this information from a quick, harmless scale clipping. It’s safe for the snake and could be used in cities across Africa where snakes are already being relocated from homes and businesses.” A second study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society and also co-authored by Alexander, shows that Black Mambas also shape their environment in ways that benefit other species. He said Mambas often use the same refuge sites, such as termite mounds, hollow logs, and abandoned buildings for years. Alexander said the species serves a "valuable" role in the environment by controlling rodent populations, which may help protect crops and reduce the spread of rodent-borne diseases. Snake expert Nick Evans, who collected a lot of the specimens for the study, says Black Mamba numbers appear to have been increasing in the Durban area in recent years.

Evans, of KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, said: “Humans often make their properties appealing to mambas by dumping rubbish over their fence, in their garden, having messy sheds or garages, creating rat breeding grounds. “Durban also has high numbers of feral cats and mambas feed on their kittens. So there is suitable habitat and an abundance of food.” But he says unprovoked bites are extremely rare, with around three to five reported per year. Evans added: “Almost all patients survive, unless they do not go to the hospital. Some of the bites are dry bites, warning bites where no venom is injected.” The research team believes that recognising the value of Black Mambas could help shift public attitudes from fear to appreciation. Alexander said: “People are understandably scared of mambas, as they are one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes, but if we treat them correctly, they can be a valuable tool to assess pollution levels. Snakes in general can play a valuable role as biomarkers for environmental health, and should preferably be left to live in peace in their natural environments.”

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