The study published in Science Advances by NASA scientists has revealed a significant correlation between the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field and fluctuations in atmospheric oxygen levels over the past 540 million years. This groundbreaking research suggests that processes deep within the Earth’s core might be influencing habitability on the planet’s surface.

At the heart of this phenomenon lies the Earth’s magnetic field, which is generated by the flow of molten material in the planet’s interior. Like a giant electromagnet, this process creates a dynamic field that has been fluctuating over time. The authors of the study point out that the role of magnetic fields in preserving the atmosphere is still an area of active research.

To uncover the hidden link between the Earth’s core and life-sustaining oxygen, scientists have analyzed magnetized minerals that record the history of the magnetic field. These minerals, formed when hot materials rise with magma at gaps between tectonic plates, retain a record of the surrounding magnetic field as long as they are not reheated too severely. By studying these ancient rocks and minerals, researchers can deduce historic oxygen levels based on their chemical contents.

The databases compiled by geophysicists and geochemists have provided valuable information on both the Earth’s magnetic field and oxygen levels over comparable ranges. Until now, no scientists had made a detailed comparison of the records. The findings of this study suggest that the two datasets are remarkably similar, with the planetary magnetic field following similar rising and falling patterns as oxygen in the atmosphere for nearly half a billion years.

The implications of this discovery are profound, suggesting that complex life on Earth might be connected to the interior processes of the planet. Coauthor Weijia Kuang said, “Earth is the only known planet that supports complex life. The correlations we’ve found could help us understand how life evolves and how it’s connected to the interior processes of the planet.”

Further research aims to examine longer datasets to see if the correlation extends farther back in time. The study also plans to investigate the historic abundance of other chemicals essential for life, such as nitrogen. As for the specific causes linking the Earth’s deep interior to life on the surface, scientist Kopparapu said, “There’s more work to be done to figure that out.”

As we delve into the depths of our planet, a fascinating story unfolds beneath Africa’s surface. Research by Earth scientists at the University of Southampton has uncovered evidence of rhythmic surges of molten mantle rock rising from deep within the Earth, gradually tearing the continent apart and forming a new ocean. The findings, published in Nature Geoscience, reveal that the Afar region in Ethiopia is underlain by a plume of hot mantle that pulses upward like a beating heart.

The discovery is significant because it shows how the upward flow of hot material from the deep mantle is strongly influenced by the tectonic plates – the massive solid slabs of Earth’s crust – that ride above it. Over millions of years, as tectonic plates are pulled apart at rift zones like Afar, they stretch and thin until they rupture, marking the birth of a new ocean basin.

The research team collected over 130 volcanic rock samples from across the Afar region and the Main Ethiopian Rift, using advanced statistical modeling to investigate the structure of the crust and mantle. Their results show that underneath the Afar region is a single, asymmetric plume with distinct chemical bands that repeat across the rift system, like geological barcodes.

These patterns vary in spacing depending on the tectonic conditions in each rift arm. The team’s findings suggest that the mantle plume beneath the Afar region is not static but dynamic and responsive to the tectonic plate above it.

The implications of this research are profound, as it shows that deep mantle upwellings can flow beneath the base of tectonic plates and help to focus volcanic activity to where the tectonic plate is thinnest. This has significant consequences for how we interpret surface volcanism, earthquake activity, and the process of continental breakup.

The research team’s collaboration across institutions is essential in unraveling the processes that happen under Earth’s surface and relating it to recent volcanism. By combining different expertise and techniques, they have been able to put together a comprehensive picture of this complex process, shedding new light on the dynamics of our planet’s interior.

New Orleans is facing an unprecedented threat from its own foundation. A recent study by Tulane University researchers has revealed that parts of the city are gradually sinking, while the $15 billion post-Katrina flood protection system may need regular upgrades to outpace long-term land subsidence.

The study, published in Science Advances, used satellite radar data to track subtle shifts in ground elevation across Greater New Orleans between 2002 and 2020. The findings show that some neighborhoods, wetlands, and even sections of floodwalls are sinking by more than an inch per year – with some areas experiencing up to 47 millimeters (nearly 2 inches) of elevation loss annually.

“In a city like New Orleans, where much of the land is already near sea level, even minor drops in elevation can increase flood risk,” said Simone Fiaschi, lead author of the study and a former researcher with Tulane’s Department of River-Coastal Science and Engineering. “The findings underscore how both natural and human-driven forces are reshaping the city’s landscape.”

Causes of the sinking – known as subsidence – include natural soil compaction, groundwater pumping, industrial development, and the legacy of wetland drainage for urban growth. The study used a remote sensing technique called InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar), which detects millimeter-scale changes in land surface elevation by comparing satellite radar images taken over time.

Among the most troubling findings: some of the concrete floodwalls and levees built to protect the city after Katrina are themselves sinking. In a few cases, parts of the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) are losing elevation faster than sea levels are rising, reducing their capacity to block storm surges.

“These results are a wake-up call,” said co-author Prof. Mead Allison, also of Tulane. “We need ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure that our flood defenses don’t lose their level of protection beneath us.”

The study also found pockets of sinking around industrial sites, the airport, and newer residential developments – areas where soil compression and groundwater withdrawal are likely contributors. In contrast, some areas such as parts of Michoud showed modest land uplift, likely due to the halt of industrial groundwater pumping and recovery of the water table.

Wetlands east of the city, long known for their ecological importance, are also sinking rapidly in places. In some spots, the loss of elevation could transform marshes into open water within a decade if trends continue. This has implications not just for wildlife but also for storm protection, as wetlands help buffer storm surges.

New Orleans, much of which lies below sea level, relies on an elaborate system of levees, pumps, and drainage canals to keep water out. As sea levels rise and the ground sinks, the margin for error narrows.

Experts say that without sustained monitoring, including satellite data and ground-based measurements, it’s difficult to know where to reinforce levees or how to plan for future storms.

“This research shows that land movement isn’t uniform, and understanding these patterns is crucial for protecting lives and property in a city where inches truly matter,” Fiaschi said. “However, it’s crucial to remember that our results still require careful ground-truthing. This is especially true for critical areas like the floodwalls, where on-site verification was not possible during this project.”

The study highlights the potential of satellite monitoring to guide infrastructure maintenance and urban planning, not just in New Orleans but in coastal cities worldwide facing similar challenges.