Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Pacific Ocean floor, uncovering a rare surge of atomic particles from 10 million years ago. The finding has significant implications for dating geological history and could provide a crucial new tool for scientists.
The research team found nearly double the expected amount of beryllium-10, a radioactive isotope created when cosmic rays strike Earth’s upper atmosphere. This anomaly challenges current understanding of Earth’s geological history and raises questions about two competing theories: massive reorganization of ocean currents near Antarctica or increased cosmic radiation from a nearby supernova.
The discovery has sparked debate among scientists, with some suggesting that the beryllium spike could be caused by changes in ocean currents, while others believe it may be due to astrophysical events. The research group plans to analyze more samples to determine whether this anomaly is a global phenomenon or limited to specific regions.
The finding represents a potential breakthrough in geological dating methods, providing a new temporal marker for scientists to date geological samples. This could help align various geological archives and improve our understanding of Earth’s distant past. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the planet’s history and may lead to new insights into the formation of the Pacific Ocean.
The team used highly sensitive accelerator mass spectrometry at HZDR to detect and measure individual beryllium-10 atoms, distinguishing them from other isotopes and molecules. This precision was crucial in confirming the anomaly’s existence and highlights the importance of continued research into this phenomenon.
Source: https://scienceblog.com/ancient-atomic-mystery-found-miles-under-the-pacific