Journal_1

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School

Columbia College *

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Course

110L

Subject

Geography

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by DukeScience100329

A groundbreaking discovery has been made by a team of scientists led by the University of Southampton regarding the origins and eruptions of diamonds, in the Earths depths. According to their research the breakup of plates plays a role in this process, which could have implications for the diamond industry. Diamonds take shape under pressure over long periods sometimes spanning billions of years. They are commonly found in kimberlite rocks primarily located in the parts of continents like South Africa. However how these diamonds make their way to the Earths surface has remained a mystery for a time. Recently published in Nature journal this study focuses on comprehending how global tectonic forces have influenced diamond eruptions throughout billions of years. Collaboration between the University of Southampton and researchers from institutions around the world have made it all possible. Professor Tom Gernon leads this study. Explains that diamond eruptions follow patterns to the formation and breakup cycles observed in supercontinents over time. However despite their existence beneath the Earths surface for a period the precise process, behind diamond eruptions remains unknown. To delve deeper into the matter the team employed statistical analysis techniques, including machine learning to examine the relationship, between plate breakup and kimberlite volcanism. The results uncovered that most occurrences of kimberlite volcano eruptions took place 20 to 30 million years after plate breakup events. Furthermore the researchers investigated the mechanisms for this pattern and made an intriguing discovery. When crusts stretch or rift thousands of kilometers away it disrupts the Earths mantle. This disruption triggers a series of flow patterns beneath the neighboring continent. Based on simulations conducted by Dr. Sascha Brune it is suggested that these disruptive flows erode rock from the base of the plate creating conditions for kimberlite formation. This research holds implications for determining both the locations and timeframes of eruptions associated with diamond formation. Such knowledge could prove invaluable in efforts related to diamond exploration. Moreover it offers insights into how processes, within Earth influence surface conditions and potentially impact our environment and climate.

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