Scientists could be on the verge of discovering the explanation behind one of the strangest questions about our planet. Through the use of state-of-the-art technology, this could provide answers about the Earth that could change our way of thinking.
One of the most interesting facts about Earth is that deep within the planet's core, there are two "giant blobs" seen just above the centre. For decades, this has been a question for many scientists and to work out, as each of Earth's layers is distinct from the next.
However, new models on the Earth's structure could help to explain how the blobs came into existence. Should these be proven, it may change what many scientists know about the inside of our planet.
Currently, there are two large blobs seemingly melting out just above the earth's core, which has left boffins stumped as they work out how the material got there. Now, new models of the Earth have suggested that some of the core's precious materials could have accidentally melted out into the outer core during the formation of the planet, according to Science Alert.
When Earth was formed, it was the product of two large space rocks colliding into each other; this was the beginning of the planet we know today. But as the Earth began to shape itself into the spherical-ish shape we know, it is hypothesised that some material from the core oozed out and mixed with the Earth's mantle, creating what is called "large low-shear-velocity provinces".
Yoshinori Miyazaki from Rutgers University said: "These are not random oddities, they are fingerprints of Earth's earliest history. If we can understand why they exist, we can understand how our planet formed and why it became habitable."
The Earth is made up of four major layers: the crust, where all life is sustained; the mantle, a relatively cool area of molten rock; the outer core and the inner core; which provides heat that came from when the planet was formed.
The two blobs were first noticed by scientists back in the 1980s, following data collected from earthquakes, which highlighted two regions of irregularity -- one under Africa and one under the Pacific. These blobs can be found roughly 2,900 kilometres (1,800 miles) under Earth's surface, and do have an effect on our planet, as it is theorised the African blob is causing a decrease in the power of our magnetic field.
Researchers are now investigating the legitimacy of a theory of how the inner Earth works, including the magma ocean theory, that states that Earth was initially a squishy ball with oceans of magma swirling around our planet. As the Earth cooled down, so did the ocean, and eventually separated, leaving heavier materials to sink down, leaving lighter elements on top to become the crust.
Miyazaki said this was the "starting point", as studies show the Earth not as neatly stacked as it is believed to be. Studies remain ongoing, but further information is being gathered that could help to solve the question of how did the Earth cool down and generate life.
"Even with very few clues, we're starting to build a story that makes sense," Miyazaki explained. "This study gives us a little more certainty about how Earth evolved, and why it's so special."